| abstract |
An apparatus and process for hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization of medicalninstruments and similar devices make use of hydrogen peroxide vapor released from anninorganic hydrogen peroxide complex. The peroxide vapor can be released at roomntemperature and atmospheric pressure; however, the pressure used can be less than 50 torrnand the temperature greater than 86°C to facilitate the release of hydrogen peroxide vapor.nPreferred hydrogen peroxide complexes for use in the invention include Na 4 P 2 O 7 .3H 2 O 2 nand KH 2 PO 4 .H 2 O 2 . The heating rate can be greater than 5°C. Optionally, a plasma can benused in conjunction with the vapor. |