Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP): A Well-Known Technology with a New Application

Key Takeaways:

• Vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) is a proven sterilant with strong oxidizing power, effective against a wide range of microorganisms and compatible with many materials.
• Recent innovations in chamber design and process control are expanding VHP’s potential for terminal sterilization of single-use medical devices.
• Material and packaging compatibility are key limitations, requiring careful selection of non-absorptive, permeable materials to ensure sterilant penetration.
• VHP sterilization cycles involve preconditioning, exposure and aeration, with critical control of humidity, pressure and sterilant concentration to ensure efficacy.
• Global standards for VHP sterilization are under development, aiming to provide regulatory clarity and support broader adoption in healthcare and manufacturing.