Ethylene oxide sterilization is a solution of last resort for products incompatible with ionizing radiation. It has a wide range of applications for treating medical devices thanks to a low-temperature process that prevents any deformation or oxidation of materials.
ethylene oxide
Basic Principle
Ethylene oxide is an effective sterilizing gas, mainly due to its ability to alkylate proteins and nucleic acids. This action alters microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) and renders them inactive.
Process Steps
- Preconditioning and Humidification:
- The items to be sterilized are first exposed to a warm and humid environment to make them more permeable to EO gas.
- Introduction of EO:
- Then, ethylene oxide is introduced into the sterilization chamber.
- The gas concentration, temperature, and humidity are carefully controlled to maximize sterilization effectiveness.
- Exposure:
- The items remain in the chamber for a defined period, allowing the EO gas to penetrate and sterilize the materials.
- Aeration:
- After exposure, the items are aerated to eliminate any EO residue.
The advantages of ethylene oxide sterilization:
- Effective for materials sensitive to heat and moisture.
- Deep penetration, ideal for complex or packaged items.
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