Speed and Flexibility in a Compact Size

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the STERRAD^® NX™ System?
   

   The STERRAD^® NX™ System is a rapid and compact sterilizer that offers the versatility to process a wide range of instruments. It is ideal for keeping the OR on track, as it can handle more caseloads and help avoid delays due to clean instrument availability.

2. How does STERRAD^® NX™ Sterilization Technology differ from other STERRAD^® Systems?
   

   The STERRAD^® NX™ System is similar to other STERRAD Systems. The major difference is that the STERRAD^® NX™ System employs a novel vaporization system that removes most of the water from the hydrogen peroxide. The reduced amount of water improves diffusion of peroxide into lumens and allows processing of a broader range of instruments including single-channel flexible endoscopes.

3. What instruments can the STERRAD^® NX™ System sterilize?
   

   The STERRAD^® NX™ System can safely sterilize a wide range of surgical instruments in a low-temperature system: single-channel flexible endoscopes, semi-rigid ureteroscopes, cameras, light cords, batteries, power drills, rigid scopes, hysteroscopes, and choledocoscopes are just a sampling of appropriate items.

4. What is the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the cassette?
   

   The STERRAD^® NX™ System Cassette is filled to the same specifications as the STERRAD^® 100S System Cassette. The fill volume is 1850 ± 50 µ and the concentration is 58.0% to 59.5% hydrogen peroxide.

5. How does size make a difference with the STERRAD^® NX™ System?
   

   The compact dimensions of the STERRAD^® NX™ System makes it ideal for point-of-use placement. Because it uses minimal countertop space or can be cart-mounted for mobility, it can conveniently be used in a variety of settings, including OR Substerile Rooms, Surgical Cores, Ambulatory Surgery Centers, Sterile Processing Departments, and Specialty Departments, such as Urology, where rapid instrument turnaround is crucial.

6. What other distinct features does the STERRAD^® NX™ System have?
   

   Among its many desirable features, the STERRAD^® NX™ System has network connectivity capability, built-in diagnostics, an option for bar-code scanning, and a hydrogen peroxide monitor that measures concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). These features endow the STERRAD^® NX™ System with added flexibility, reliability, and quality control. The STERRAD^® NX™ System also offers 3 levels of password access and security: supervisor, service, and optional operator access.

7. What is the difference between the 28-minute cycle and the 38-minute cycle?
   

   The two sterilization cycles are designed to provide maximum flexibility for instrument processing. The vast majority of medical instruments (90%-95%) may be processed in the standard 28-minute cycle. The advanced cycle is available for more challenging instruments such as single-channel flexible endoscopes. When more than one type of medical instrument is being processed, the cycle selection should be based on the device that is most difficult to sterilize.

8. What types of devices and materials can be sterilized in the STERRAD^® NX™ System?
   

   The STERRAD^® NX™ System is designed for sterilizing both metal and nonmetal medical devices at low temperatures. Because the cycle operates in a dry environment and at low temperatures, it is especially suitable for instruments sensitive to heat and moisture. The STERRAD^® NX™ System can also sterilize general instruments and instruments that have diffusion-restricted spaces such as the hinged portion of forceps and scissors.

   Medical devices with the following materials and dimensions can be processed in the STERRAD^® NX™ Sterilizer Standard Cycle:

   Standard Cycle (28 minutes)

   Single-channel stainless steel lumens with:
   —An inside diameter of 1 mm or larger and a length of 150 mm or shorter*
   —An inside diameter of 2 mm or larger and a length of 400 mm or shorter*

   Medical devices, including most flexible endoscopes, with the following materials and dimensions can be processed in the STERRAD^® NX™ Sterilizer Advanced Cycle:

   Advanced Cycle (38 minutes)

   Single-channel stainless steel lumens with:
   —An inside diameter of 1 mm or larger and a length of 500 mm or shorter*
   Single-channel flexible endoscopes with polyethylene and Teflon lumens with:
   —An inside diameter of 1 mm or larger and a length of 850 mm or shorter^†

   *The validation testing for this lumen size was conducted using a maximum of 10 lumens per load. Hospital loads should not exceed the maximum number of lumens validated by this testing.

   ^†Only one single-channel flexible endoscope can be processed per cycle with or without a silicone mat. No additional load recommended.

9. What types of flexible endoscopes can be processed?
   

   The STERRAD^® NX™ System can process single-channel flexible endoscopes with an inside diameter of 1 mm or larger and a length of 850 mm or shorter. Scopes meeting claim requirements include bronchoscopes, ureteroscopes, hysteroscopes, and choledocoscopes. Single-channel flexible endoscopes that branch at the control head are also acceptable.

10. What types of flexible endoscopes cannot be processed?
    

    GI endoscopes, which typically have more than one lumen channel and may be longer than 850 mm, are not acceptable for processing. Likewise, multi-channel flexible endoscopes cannot be processed in the sterilizer.

11. What are the benefits of the diagnostic tool?
    

    The diagnostic tool in the STERRAD^® NX™ System helps the user or service representative troubleshoot the system, pinpoint the cause of cycle cancellations, or identify any failed components, should problems occur. It also provides the user with detailed system information to give to ASP service representatives—information useful to troubleshoot system failures over the phone, check on overall system or subsystem performance, and determine a potential problem.

12. What is network connectivity and how is it initiated?
    

    Network connectivity allows the sterilizer to communicate with the facility's mainframe computer system so data can be downloaded from the STERRAD^® NX™ System. This data is usually used for quality-control purposes. ASP recommends that customers seek the assistance of their facility's information technology support staff when configuring their system for network connectivity.

13. Can the STERRAD^® NX™ System be connected to an instrument-tracking system?
    

    Yes. The facility should work with the supplier of the instrument-tracking system to connect the sterilizer to the tracking system.

14. How many cycles can be run with each cassette?
    

    Each cassette contains enough hydrogen peroxide to run 5 cycles. Each case will contain 5 cassettes for a total of 25 cycles per cassette case. The cassette collection box for the STERRAD^® NX™ System holds 3 cassettes.

15. How long can a cassette stay in the system once it is inserted?
    

    A cassette can stay in the STERRAD^® NX™ Sterilizer for 10 days. After day 10, the cassette will be ejected into the cassette collection box. This ensures that the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the cassette is adequate for proper sterilization.

16. How much does the system weigh?
    

    The STERRAD^® NX™ System weighs 275 pounds (125 kg). It can easily be placed on a cart, table, or countertop that can support the weight of the sterilizer.

17. What biological indicator should be used with the STERRAD^® NX™ System?
    

    To ensure proper sterilizer monitoring, the only biological indicator appropriate for use in the STERRAD^® NX™ System is the STERRAD^® CycleSure^® Biological Indicator. Use of biological indicators not designed and validated for the STERRAD^® NX™ System may give misleading, and thus invalid results.

18. What type of printer is used with the STERRAD^® NX™ System?
    

    The STERRAD^® NX™ System uses a thermal printer—a much quieter, more reliable, and less expensive printer than those in previous STERRAD^® Systems. The printed paper will last approximately 5 years (though the print will fade if hot items such as coffee cups are placed on the paper). If you need to keep records for a longer time period, you may prefer to download data from the system's PCMCIA card or transfer information from the sterilizer to your facility's mainframe computer.

19. Can I process batteries in a STERRAD^® NX™ System?
    

    Yes, you can process and sterilize batteries in the STERRAD^® NX™ System. Click here to download step-by-step instructions on preparing, decontaminating, charging, wrapping, labeling, sterilizing and storing batteries for later use.