In the February 2026 publication on PubMed, researchers compared steam and hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization methods for cohesive latex bandage wraps in a pilot study. The investigation was conducted in a hospital Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD).
The study aimed to determine the efficacy of these two sterilization techniques, with a focus on cohesive latex bandages, a commonly used yet challenging-to-sterilize medical device. The researchers tested 30 sets of bandage wraps, using each sterilization method twice (six sets per method).
The steam sterilization process involved heating the bandages in an autoclave at a temperature between 121°C and 134°C for approximately 25 minutes under 3 atmosphere pressure. On the other hand, hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization used low-temperature plasma to generate reactive oxygen species that destroy microorganisms within the bandages.
Following sterilization, the researchers inoculated each set of bandage wraps with a specific pathogen, Bacillus atrophicus, and assessed their viability using a culture method. Results showed that all steam-sterilized bandages passed the test, indicating no presence of viable B. atrophicus. However, two out of six hydrogen peroxide gas plasma-sterilized sets failed, suggesting potential contamination with this pathogen.
Further analysis of the CSSD workflow revealed that hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization had a significantly shorter cycle time compared to steam sterilization, which could potentially improve efficiency in the department. However, the study emphasizes the need for continued evaluation and optimization of hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization methods to ensure effective sterilization of cohesive late