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Costs of low-temperature plasma sterilization compared with other sterilization methods
S Adler1, M Scherrer, F D Daschner
1Institute for Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, Freiburg, Germany.
The Journal of Hospital Infection
|November 20, 1998
Summary
Plasma sterilization offers a cost-effective decontamination method for medical instruments, especially when considering time savings. This technique proves more economical than ethylene oxide and formaldehyde sterilization for various instrument types.
Area of Science:
- Medical device sterilization
- Sterilization technologies
- Cost-benefit analysis in healthcare
Background:
- Gas sterilization methods like ethylene oxide and formaldehyde pose drawbacks including residues and environmental concerns.
- Plasma sterilization emerges as a safer alternative for thermolabile products.
- Plasma sterilization is also considered for thermostable, corrosion-prone instruments and electronics, competing with steam sterilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the per-unit sterilization costs of plasma, ethylene oxide, and formaldehyde sterilization methods.
- To evaluate the economic impact of plasma sterilization, including its time-saving advantages.
- To assess the cost-effectiveness of plasma sterilization against steam sterilization for specific instrument types.
Main Methods:
- Cost analysis of plasma, ethylene oxide, and formaldehyde sterilization procedures.
- Calculation of sterilization costs per unit, considering processing time.
- Comparison of costs across five instrument groups: disposable, electronic, endoscopic, sharp, and standard.
Main Results:
- Excluding time savings, ethylene oxide was most expensive, followed by plasma, with formaldehyde being least expensive.
- Including time savings, plasma sterilization became more cost-effective than ethylene oxide and formaldehyde for most instrument types.
- Steam sterilization was cheapest for laparoscopic sets, but plasma sterilization costs were comparable for vitrectomes due to reduced damage.
Conclusions:
- Plasma sterilization presents a competitive and often more economical alternative to traditional gas sterilization methods when time efficiency is factored in.
- The overall cost-effectiveness of plasma sterilization depends on the instrument type and comparison method (time-inclusive vs. exclusive).
- Plasma sterilization offers a valuable, low-damage alternative for sensitive medical instruments where traditional methods may be unsuitable or more costly.