Plasma sterilizers use vaporized hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) at low temperature to sterilize instruments without heat or moisture — ideal for delicate, heat- and moisture-sensitive devices a steam autoclave would damage. Most cycles run around 50 °C and finish in roughly 35–75 minutes, and instruments come out dry with no toxic residue and no aeration time, ready to use or store right away. That makes plasma the go-to low-temperature method for electronics, endoscopes, fiber optics, cameras, and cables in hospitals, surgery centers, labs, and veterinary practices.
How it works
The chamber is evacuated and hydrogen peroxide vapor is diffused through the load, inactivating bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. A low-temperature plasma phase then breaks the remaining peroxide down into water vapor and oxygen — leaving no toxic residue and none of the long aeration EtO requires.
What it can and can't process
Plasma sterilization suits rigid and flexible scopes, electronic and battery-powered tools, plastics, cables, and other heat-sensitive instruments, packaged in Tyvek/polypropylene (not paper). It can't process cellulose materials (paper, gauze, linens), liquids, or powders, and long, narrow lumens have length and diameter limits — always check the device IFU and the sterilizer's load specifications. For those loads, EtO is often the better fit.
Choosing the right size
Duraline Systems carries plasma systems across a full range of chamber sizes — from the compact Sterlink Mini and FPS-15s Plus, to the V10 Air (10.5 L) and V20 Air (40 L), up to Tuttnauer Plazmax systems from 50 L to 160 L.
Not sure which plasma sterilizer fits your workflow? Call our sterilization specialists at (877) 561-0500 — rental and financing available, and orders over $3,000 ship free.
