Sterrad NX Sterilization System
The STERRAD® NX System, developed by Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP), a Johnson & Johnson company, uses a combination of hydrogen peroxide vapor and low-temperature gas plasma to rapidly sterilize most medical instruments and materials without leaving any toxic residues. The technology can be used to sterilize a wide range of medical devices currently sterilized in steam, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, or peracetic acid. Since the load temperatures do not exceed 55°C and sterilization occurs in a low moisture environment, the STERRAD® NX System is particularly suited to the sterilization of heat and moisture-sensitive instruments. There are two cycles available on the STERRAD® NX System. The Standard cycle time is approximately 28 minutes. The Advanced cycle time is approximately 38 minutes. The efficacy of the process has been established by demonstrating a sterility assurance level (SAL) of at least 10-6 with G. stearothermophilus spores, an organism that has been shown to be highly resistant to the process. The system has also passed the AOAC Sporicidal Test, as outlined in the Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), and has demonstrated the ability to terminally sterilize medical devices containing diffusion-restricted areas such as lumens and mated surfaces