What is peracetic acid sterilization?

CDC defines peracetic acid as a highly biocidal oxidizer that maintains its efficacy in the presence of organic soil. The acid removes surface contaminants on endoscopic tubing. In health care, automated machines use peracetic acid to sterilize medical, surgical, and dental instruments. A 35% percent peracetic acid and an anticorrosive agent are mixed in a single-dose container that is punctured at the time of use, immediately before closing the lid and starting the disinfection cycle.