Basics of Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP) Sterilization and Decontamination Practices

Charity Ogunsanya

Course description

For products that claim a desired Sterility Assurance Level (SAL), proof of a defined SAL (specification) is achieved through the product’s sterilization and sterility assurance controls. Compliance Observations cited each year by the FDA on Form 483s that relates to Sterilization and Sterility Assurance processes shows that there are deficiencies associated with these key processes that are critical to a product’s sterility including inappropriately qualified and trained personnel required as key staff to implement a fully compliant sterilization process.

This can potentially lead to Product Failures (Sterility Failures), product Non-conformances, Product Recalls, FDA’s Warning Letters, Consent Decrees and discontinuance of commercial operations which may negatively impacts a company’s profitability. FDA regulated industries that produce products with a defined SAL are obligated to have adequately trained and knowledgeable staff or Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) within sterilization and sterility assurance to provide applicable regulatory guidance with the impacted systems.

This accredited training introduces both new and existing employees to the requirements of ISO 14937:2009 (R2015), ANSI/AAMI ST58, AAMI TIR17:2008 guidelines and other applicable regulations. The role of Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP) sterilization used for sterilizing certain products, ancillary systems, room decontamination and other healthcare supplies cannot be overemphasized. Having a clear understanding of the detailed requirements of VHP sterilization process and its impact on a product’s material of composition is critical to determining the suitability of the application process. This training describes the history, rules, basic routine and validation key requirements of VHP Sterilization and Decontamination process and its role in today’s manufacturing activities.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the history, overview and examples of VHP Sterilization and Decontamination
• List the advantages and disadvantages of VHP Sterilization process
• Describe the Features, Parameters and Routine Process Steps associated with VHP Sterilization and Decontamination
• Summarize the 4 stages of VHP Sterilization and the typical process conditions of VHP in rooms
• Describe the five (5) Steps of VHP Sterilization Validation process key requirements
• Summarize the routine process requirements of VHP Sterilization

This training is part of the 10-course series required for the Cobblestone Sterilization Professional Certification Program. Attend this as a step in the certification process or as a stand-alone course for personal career advancement and training.