GAS PLASMA STERILIZATION

WHAT IS PLASMA

• The fourth state of matter
• Distinguishable from liquid, solid or gas
• Plasma is widespread in outer space
• Generated in enclosed vacuum chamber
• Low frequencies charge particles

WHEN IT'S USED

• Items that are heat and moisture sensitive
• Stainless steel 300 series
• Glass
• Polycarbnate
• Teflon

DISADVANTAGES

• Inability to process things such as:
• Cloth and cellulose items
• Liquids and powders
• Strong absorbers
• Items that can be damaged low pressure exposure

ADVANTAGES

• Materials & device compatibiliy
• Rapid turn around time
• In-house control of process
• Lower inventory requirements
• Safe & non-toxic in about 1 hour

HOW IT WORKS

• A vacuum is created in a chamber
• Devices to be sterilized are placed inside
• The metabolism of microorganisms are disrupted
• Therefore the microorganism is killed
• Dead microorganism=sterilization

FUN FACTS

• Discovered in 1879 by William Crookes
• Not called plasma until 1928
• Patented in 1987
• Marketed in US in 1993
• By products are harmless, no need for aeration

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WORKS CITED

• Doctorrao
• Centers for Disease Control
• Surgical Technology Book