Abstract: A sterilizing apparatus and method provide a sterilizing system having a sterilization chamber and a method for sterilizing an item in the sterilization chamber. The method includes the steps of: loading the item into the sterilization chamber; evacuating gas from the sterilization chamber; preparing sterilant gas by use of plasma; and filling the sterilization chamber with the sterilant gas to a preset pressure. The method further includes the steps of waiting a preset time interval to thereby accomplish an intended sterilization and evacuating the sterilant gas from the sterilization chamber.