Sterilizer Promises Fewer Aborted Cycles
Plasma-free process is kind to heat- and moisture-sensitive instruments.

The V-PRO 1 low-temperature sterilization system promises fewer aborted cycles and a 55-minute turnaround time. Its 136-liter square chamber lets you process more devices per cycle and its plasma-free process eliminates the need for a space-constraining electrically charged coil inside the chamber, says Steris. A plasma coil can eat up nearly 40 percent of the available chamber capacity, meaning that fewer devices fit, and contact with the coil or too many metal instruments in the chamber increases the possibility of aborted cycles, says Steris. The company adds that the V-PRO 1's pre-conditioning system helps to remove excess moisture, a major reason for aborted cycles, and that the system isn't hypersensitive to the way in which contents are loaded into the chamber, to residual moisture on the instruments or to the amount of metal contained in the instrument packs. "Aborted cycles have become a challenge for sterile processing departments because they result in repackaging, reloading and reprocessing of the devices," says Steris, "and they cost the department in additional sterilant and staff time. Aborted cycles can also impact surgical suite productivity." The list price for this system is $151,000. For more info call (800) 548-4873, visit www.steris.com or circle 167 on your Reader Service Card.