Microbiologic evaluation of a hydrogen peroxide sterilization system

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Sterilization Science
• Chemical Disinfection

Background:

• Traditional heat sterilization methods may damage delicate instruments.
• Chemical sterilization offers an alternative for heat-sensitive medical devices.
• Assessing the efficacy of chemical agents against bacterial spores is crucial for infection control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the sporicidal efficacy of 30-percent hydrogen peroxide and acetone at different temperatures.
• To determine the sterilization time required for Bacillus subtilis on various surfaces.
• To establish the D-values and z-values for Bacillus subtilis in hydrogen peroxide.

Main Methods:

• Testing sterilization effectiveness against Bacillus subtilis spores on glass slides and commercial biological indicators.
• Utilizing 30-percent hydrogen peroxide and acetone at 25°C and 60°C.
• Calculating D-values and z-values for Bacillus subtilis in 27-percent hydrogen peroxide.

Main Results:

• Acetone alone demonstrated no sporicidal activity.
• Glass slides treated with hydrogen peroxide were sterile within 5 minutes.
• Biological indicator discs required 25 minutes at 25°C and less than 3 minutes at 60°C for sterilization.
• The D-value of Bacillus subtilis in 27-percent hydrogen peroxide at 25°C was 2 minutes.

Conclusions:

• A 30-percent hydrogen peroxide solution is an effective sporicidal agent.
• Combining 30-percent hydrogen peroxide with an acetone rinse offers a viable alternative to heat sterilization for delicate instruments.
• Optimized sterilization times can be achieved at elevated temperatures (60°C).