What type of items are often sterilized using hydrogen peroxide plasma?

Hydrogen peroxide plasma is an effective sterilization method particularly suited for plastic and heat-sensitive instruments. This process utilizes low temperatures and does not involve moisture, making it ideal for materials that may be damaged by traditional steam sterilization methods, which typically require higher temperatures and prolonged exposure to steam.

In the context of sterilization, plastic materials are often susceptible to heat degradation, which is why hydrogen peroxide plasma is employed as a safe alternative. The mechanism of hydrogen peroxide plasma effectively kills microorganisms without compromising the integrity of these sensitive items.

The other categories of items mentioned—heavy metal items, wooden items, and glassware with chemical residues—are typically managed with different sterilization methods, since they either do not require the same precautions associated with heat sensitivity or are unsuitable for hydrogen peroxide plasma due to their material properties or potential chemical interactions. Thus, the selection of sterilization method is closely related to the specific materials being sterilized and their compatibility with the sterilization process.