EO STERILIZATION: All microorganisms,including resistant spores,are killed by the chemical reaction with ethylene oxide. Materials can be pre-packaged,then sterilized and maintained sterile until use. Ethylene oxide is relatively non-corrosive to plastic,metal,or rubber materials. Ethylene oxide can penetrate and sterilize irregular-shaped items. Biological monitoring systems or chemical monitoring systems should be used to ensure that sterilization parameters are met. These monitoring systems can also be used to distinguish processed materials from unprocessed materials. Ethylene oxide can be used to sterilizer those materials that cannot be immersed in liquid disinfectants or processed in dry heat,steam, or other chemical vapor sterilization systems. Ethylene oxide should not be used to sterilize liquids or devices that may be a potential source of ignition.Contact the device manufacturer with questions regarding the proper sterilization method for a particular device.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Jul 2013 15:33:03 +0000