Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the STERRAD NX System?
   The STERRAD NX System is designed for those wanting a fast and compact sterilizer—a system that, because of its extraordinary versatility and its ability to sterilize a wide range of instruments, can handle more caseloads, without delays, and keep the OR on schedule.
   
   
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 new 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 a broader range of instruments, such as single-channel flexible endoscopes to be processed.
   
   
3. What instruments can the STERRAD NX System sterilize that set it apart from other systems?
   The STERRAD NX System is able to safely sterilize a wide range of surgical instruments in a low-temperature system. This includes single-channel flexible endoscopes, semi-rigid ureteroscopes, cameras, light cords, batteries, power drills, rigid scopes, hysteroscopes, choledocoscopes, and much more.
   
   
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. What is significant about the size of the STERRAD NX System?
   The compact size 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 is especially convenient and can 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 new features does the STERRAD NX System have?
   Among the many new features included in the sterilizer, 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 give the STERRAD NX System flexibility, reliability, and quality control. The STERRAD NX System 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?
   Two cycles are available 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 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<sup>*
   
   †</sup>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.

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, choledocoscopes, plus many others. 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 is “diagnostics” and what advantage does it offer?
    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 provides detailed information on the performance of each subsystem. This tool helps the user pinpoint the cause of cycle cancellations and learn how to avoid them in the future. It also provides the user with detailed system information to give to the ASP service representatives—information useful to troubleshoot system failures over the phone, check on overall system or subsystem performance, and schedule maintenance or service calls with advance knowledge of a potential problem.
    
    
12. What is network connectivity and who sets it up?
    Network connectivity means the sterilizer is connected to 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. It is recommended 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 must 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 system weighs 275 lb (125 kg). The STERRAD NX System can be placed on a cart, table, or countertop, provided it can support the weight of the sterilizer and it has the necessary service clearances.
    
    
17. What biological indicator should customers use 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 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 longer than this, download data from the system’s PCMCIA card or from the sterilizer to your facility’s mainframe computer.