F A C T   S H E E T

For Information Contact:
Joni Morford, Communicore
714/721-8081
jmorford@communicore.com


ADVANCED STERILIZATION PRODUCTS: THE STERRAD¨ STERILIZATION SYSTEM


Product Overview

The STERRAD¨ Sterilization System, developed by Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP), a 
division of Johnson & Johnson Medical, Inc., represents one of the first major advances in 
medical instrument sterilization in nearly half a century.  The STERRAD System is a non-
toxic, environmentally friendly sterilization system used by hospitals to sterilize medical 
devices and surgical instruments.  Using low-temperature hydrogen peroxide gas plasma 
technology, the STERRAD System sterilizes instruments in approximately one hour, without 
producing toxic residues or emissions.


How it Works

Step 1: Vacuum.  Medical instruments are placed in the STERRAD System's sterilization 
chamber.  After the chamber door is closed and automatically sealed, the system pumps out all 
air to create a strong vacuum.

Step 2: Injection.  A solution of hydrogen peroxide and water is injected into the sterilization 
chamber from a cassette inserted into the sterilizer.  

Step 3: Diffusion.  The hydrogen peroxide solution vaporizes and diffuses throughout the 
chamber, surrounding the instruments.

Step 4: Plasma.  Radio frequency energy is applied to the chamber to create an 
electromagnetic field, which causes formation of a cloud-like plasma of highly reactive 
molecules from the hydrogen peroxide vapor.  The combination of hydrogen peroxide vapor 
and the plasma sterilizes the medical instruments without leaving toxic residues.  

Step 5: Vent.  The radio frequency energy is turned off, the vacuum is released, and filtered 
air enters the chamber to return it to normal atmospheric pressure.  The instruments require 
no aeration and are immediately ready for use following the 75-minute cycle.


Development History

1983:  Research and development of a new sterilization technology begins.
1986:  Engineers work to turn prototypes into a viable product.
July 1987:  ASP installs first STERRAD System for evaluation at Hollywood Presbyterian 
Medical Center in Los Angeles, Calif.
October 1, 1993:  ASP initiates U.S. marketing of the STERRAD System.
October 14, 1993:  ASP installs its first commercial STERRAD System in the United States at 
Lafayette General Medical Center in Lafayette, La.


Environmental Benefits

The primary byproducts of hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization are oxygen and water 
vapor, which leave no toxic residues on instruments and pose norisk to operators or the 
environment.  As a result, hospitals using the STERRAD System do not need to install toxic 
waste disposal vents, drains, or monitors, or have staff wear protective garments.


Competitive Benefits

The STERRAD System is a non-toxic alternative--safe for patients, hospital staff and the 
environment--to ethylene oxide (EtO) and steam sterilization systems.  In addition, the 
system's instrument turnaround time is as much as 17 times faster than traditional low-
temperature sterilization technologies.


Product Effectiveness

Tests conducted by ASP demonstrated that the STERRAD System effectively destroys disease-
causing viruses and bacteria on medical devices and surgical equipment during its sterilization 
cycle.


Distribution

The STERRAD System is distributed by ASP through a direct sales, marketing, and support 
infrastructure in the United States and through Johnson & Johnson affiliates in 33 countries 
worldwide.


Cost Per System

Each STERRAD System costs $108,000; more than 2,000 units have been sold to date 
worldwide.


Corporate HQ

Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP), a division of Johnson & Johnson Medical, Inc., is 
headquartered at 33 Technology Drive, Irvine, Calif. 92618; (800) 595-0200.


President & CEO

Tralance O. Addy, Ph.D., joined Johnson & Johnson Medical, Inc., in 1980 as director of 
applied research.  He was appointed general manager of ASP in 1988 and promoted to 
president and CEO in 1995.


Number of Employees

ASP employs 300 people in the United States and approximately 550 worldwide.


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