Table 9: Characteristics of an ideal low-temperature sterilization process

Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008)

At a glance

Table 9 from the Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008).

Characteristics of an ideal low-temperature sterilization process

  • High efficacy: the agent should be virucidal, bactericidal, tuberculocidal, fungicidal and sporicidal
  • Rapid activity: ability to quickly achieve sterilization
  • Strong penetrability: ability to penetrate common medical-device packaging materials and penetrate into the interior of device lumens
  • Material compatibility: produces only negligible changes in the appearance or the function of processed items and packaging materials even after repeated cycling
  • Nontoxic: presents no toxic health risk to the operator or the patient and poses no hazard to the environment
  • Organic material resistance: withstands reasonable organic material challenge without loss of efficacy
  • Adaptability: suitable for large or small (point of use) installations
  • Monitoring capability: monitored easily and accurately with physical, chemical, and biological process monitors
  • Cost effectiveness: reasonable cost for installation and for routine operation


Modified from Schneider. 851