Eo sterilization is used as an alternative method to sterilize medical products that are heat sensitive- devices that have electronics components and plastic covering and a variety of equipment not compatible for other means of sterilization. In Ethylene Oxide sterilization, Ethylene oxide an alkylating agent is used to upset the DNA of bacteria and prevents them from reproducing.
The normal EO sterilization process consists of a preconditioning phase, the actual sterilization procedure and the period of post-sterilization aeration. In the pre-conditioning phase the product is put in a controlled environment of temperature and humidity at a determined time. In the sterilization stage the load goes thru the actual sterilization cycle, in this stage the product absorbs eo gas. The final stage is the post-sterilization aeration where in the product undergoes aeration to remove toxic residues. Although Ethylene oxide is widely used in the sterilization of medical device, it is becoming less popular because the harmful effects that the main reagent can cause. EO is classified as a human carcinogen and a main irritant.
No Comments