Ethylene Oxide (EtO) is a common gas used for low temperature sterilization. It is a colorless, poisonous gas that attacks the cellular proteins and nucleic acids of microorganisms. Description. Disposable Protective Clothing & PPE News & Blog, Gamma Radiated products and other protection solutions. To ensure that you’re using the best cleaning process, you should examine the following: You’ll want to weigh if the cons of either method could influence how the product is used in the future or how it will impact the workers who use it. Due to overwhelming demand our call volumes are higher than usual. However, it is understood that Gamma and EO typically meet the requirements of packaged laboratory products. EO Sterilization Versus Gamma Sterilization. The radiation breaks the bond in the microorganisms’ DNA which causes a mutation and ultimately cell death. This is done in a heavily controlled area and within a specific amount of time. Possible change in smell or color of the materials. Copyright © 2020 International Enviroguard. Which materials work best with each process? Some materials may be a slightly different color after the process. The material needs to be prepared before disinfection. Ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization is a chemical process consisting of four primary variables: gas concentration, humidity, temperature and time. 814, 857, 858 Within certain limitations, … However, it may have more of a risk with its use. Below you will find out more about both options and what they mean for business. As a result, it is usually weakened with inactive gases. Safety and cost benefits are often the reasons that thorough cleaning is so important. Gamma sterilization is done by exposing a material to a controlled dose of gamma rays. Ethylene Oxide Sterilization. Ethylene oxide (also known as EO or EtO) is a low temperature gaseous process widely used to sterilize a variety of healthcare products, such as single-use medical devices. EO is highly flammable. Materials cleaned using gamma rays do not need to be prepared, and may be put together and packaged before the process. There are many advantages to understanding an ethylene oxide (EO or EtO) sterilization process when considering the different sterilization options. All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2020 International Enviroguard. So how do they compare? Instead, gamma and ethylene oxide sterilization are two of the most common options to choose from. However, for some products this is simply too harsh and may ruin them. Ethylene oxide gas has been used since the 1950s for heat- and moisture-sensitive medical devices. During this process, EtO acts as an alkylating agent, effectively disrupting the DNA of microorganisms to prevent them from reproducing, ultimately resulting in sterile products suitable for medical use. Please email us at support@int-enviroguard.com with inquiries or questions. Sterilization is the removal of all life forms and agents from the surface of a material or from a fluid/compound. Industries that rely on this the most are: Not only does proper cleaning keep products safe for people, but it may allow for some products to be used again. This is the required process to clean it. Note: Some plastics perform better after the process is complete. Within the past 15 years, a number of new, low-temperature sterilization systems (e.g., hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, peracetic acid immersion, ozone) have been developed and are being used to sterilize medical devices. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. This is done in a room that meets the following: The cleaning process takes place in a vacuum-tight chamber and when all the air in the chamber is removed, and a set amount of EO ensures proper cleansing is achieved. ETO is a colorless gas that is flammable and explosive. Why one process may be better than the others, How the pros and cons impact the end result, Made to heat and humidify the product to a stable temperature, Moisture content before it is placed in the chamber. Overview. a colorless, highly flammable gas with a slightly sweet taste and odor, used as an inhalation anesthetic to induce general anesthesia. The radiation is applied in a safe and controlled environment. Already packed materials can be cleaned using the process because EO can go through cartons and sealed film. ethylene oxide a gaseous, flammable alkylating agent with a broad spectrum of activity, capable of killing both spores and viruses; it must be mixed with CO 2 or fluorocarbons because it is explosive above 3 per cent. It depends on the thickness or volume of material. This highly interactive 28-hour advanced course assumes that participants are experienced in working with an established ethylene oxide sterilization process, but are now challenged with ensuring the continued effectiveness and assessing change for the product or process. Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Process. Proper cleaning is a very important step for certain businesses that require sterilization on a regular basis. Ethylene oxide gas has been used since the 1950s for heat- and moisture-sensitive medical devices. International Enviroguard, offers Gamma Radiated products and other protection solutions that help your workers remain: Keep in mind, both processes outlined above require a sterile environment where the processes can be carried out risk- and contamination-free. Because moist heat sterilization procedures are simple and no toxic residues. It is most commonly used to sterilize instruments with long lumens such as endoscopes and all materials that have to be sterilized but cannot withstand higher temperature. The most recommend-ed sterilization procedure is autoclaving, if the medical device is not sensitive to the heating. Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Critical Parameters for Effective EO Treatment Based on a gas diffusion process, Ethylene Oxide (EO or ETO) is capable of sterilizing and rendering products free of viable microorganisms. Ethylene oxide is a gas used to sterilize various medical devices, from syringes to medical masks. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Ethylene oxide sterilization is an important sterilization method that manufacturers widely use to keep medical devices safe. When air is present, it can create its own oxygen. Such materials are likely to leach ethylene oxide into future processes, which will ruin the product as a result. Check out our list of products to help achieve your sterilization goals. To avoid more damage, the product is washed several times at a controlled pressure. Not only does it lessen its toxicity, but also makes it easier to handle. A wide range of materials can be cleaned using this process. Gamma is the ideal choice for materials that are stored for a long period of time, The process does not create heat or moisture, After the cleansing process, there is no small trace of radioactivity.