Sterilization is the process of eliminating micro-organisms that includes resistant bacteria and other allergens. This process requires specialized sterilizer machines to achieve the desired results. If you are thinking about how this process works and why it is critical for various industry sectors, here’s a guide to help you!
Evolution of the Sterilization Technology
For achieving effective results, you need to pay attention to the method and the equipment used. The process of sterilization has evolved over the years, and new techniques are gaining popularity over traditional ones. Getting rid of contaminants from critical medical equipment is essential. Hence, monitoring the process is vital.
New methods include ethylene oxide sterilizer, ionizing radiation, and many more. Out of all the methods mentioned, ethylene oxide sterilizers are a common sterilization technique for medical devices.
What is Ethylene Oxide?
The versatile ethylene oxide is an alkylating gas with high penetrating properties. It is capable of eliminating most viruses, bacteria, and other bacterial spores. Due to its beneficial properties, it is a common agent used in chemical sterilization. Since it is available in the gas form, it penetrates rapidly into the packaging and the items that need sterilization. Ethylene oxide sterilizers are popular because they are compatible with most materials.
Why is Ethylene Oxide Used to Sterilize Medical Devices?
As mentioned above, ethylene oxide sterilizers is an alkylating agent that is effective in eliminating bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Most traditional processes such as steam or dry-heat are only convenient for heat-stable and non-aqueous materials. Moreover, traditional methods can alter the physical properties of the products. On the other hand, EO sterilizers are ideal for thermo-sensitive materials. With advanced ETO sterilization machines and professional expertise, you can reduce the time taken for process completion.
What Devices are Sterilized With Ethylene Oxide?
Using safe and secure medical devices is essential for preventing any infection and ensuring the safety of the patient. There are a variety of medical devices that use ethylene oxide gas sterilizers. They can be medical devices for general health care practices, such as wound dressings and syringes, or they can be for healthcare devices for specific body areas such as prosthetics and stents. You can also use the ethylene oxide sterilizer for surgical equipment and supplies that cannot tolerate heat or excessive moisture.
How EO Processing Occurs?
For optimum results, you need to make sure that appropriate sterilization conditions are determined. The EO processing occurs when the following parameters are considered:
- Gas Concentration- Since the nature of ethylene oxide is volatile, they are mixed with suitable inert gases.
- Temperature- You should monitor the temperature to ensure that the device material does not deteriorate.
- Humidity- ethylene oxide gas sterilizers require sufficient humidity.
- Exposure time-You should let the exposure time exceed than required.
How Does the ETO Sterilization Cycle Occur?
With the help of a reliable ETO sterilizer manufacturer, you can ensure that the process works efficiently and delivers the best results. The ETO sterilization phase consists of the three following steps:
- Conditioning- Provide appropriate heating and humidity conditions for the stimulation of microbial growth. You need to ensure that the temperature conditions are set effectively.
- Sterilization- At this stage, the device is introduced to the agent at the specified temperature range, RH%, and pressure levels.
- Ventilation- The residual particles are taken out.
Microbicidal Activity of ETO
Ethylene oxide sterilizers are popular in the healthcare industry since they have excellent microbicidal activity. That means the ETO process has high efficacy for eliminating resistant bacterial spores.
What Are the Advantages of Ethylene Oxide Sterilization?
Ethylene oxide sterilizers are a low-temperature technique and one of the industry’s favorite for good reasons. They have shown commendable results in eradicating the traces of bacteria spores and many microorganisms from critical medical devices that cannot withstand heat and moisture. The gentle yet thorough nature of these hospital sterilizers results in lower residue levels. This leads to shorter aeration time.
Furthermore, the flexibility in temperature monitoring helps you to sterilize multiple devices and materials. Advanced machinery can be useful to shorten the exposure time and get desired results faster.
Are There Any Guidelines for Sterilization in the Healthcare Industry?
Yes. There are FDA guidelines on the use of hospital sterilizers. The guidelines state how to develop, validate, and control different processes for the sterilization of various medical devices. It also guides you about the acceptable residue level after the process. These standards are available in detail for the safety and security of the patients. Some sterilizing agents can be dangerous to handle. Hence, conducting the process under the FDA regulation is critical. It will ensure that the agents on the medical devices are within safe limits.
Global Demand of Ethylene Oxide Gas Sterilizer
Ethylene oxide sterilizers are experiencing a surge in demand, thanks to their efficient results. With the rapid advancement of technology, they can even reach complicated areas. Their cost-effectiveness also has enhanced their global demand. The healthcare industry is rapidly adopting this modern sterilizing technology, and are moving forward with it to tackle infectious microorganisms.
Growing Demand of Industrial ETO Sterilizer
Many factors contribute to the rise of ETO sterilizers. They penetrate through the surface of the breathable material and eradicate various microorganisms for the best quality assurance. If you are in the healthcare industry and looking for the best hospital sterilizers, this technique is the ideal choice for you. It continues to be the contemporary technology for the sterilization of modern medical devices worldwide.
Where Are Ethylene Oxide Gas Sterilizers Used?
Ethylene oxide gas sterilizers have seen an overwhelming usage across various industrial verticals. They are popular in the chemical industry, laparoscopy and endoscopy use, surgical medical devices, and ophthalmic use. By consulting with a reputed ETO sterilizer manufacturer, you can customize the machine as per your requirements for your unique application.
Is Using ETO Sterilizers Safe?
Ethylene oxide is available in gas form and can be volatile if not treated carefully. While ETO sterilizers are the best agent available for bacteria elimination, they require professional handling to achieve the desired results. You will need safety equipment during the process and ensure that the exposure time is ideal. Furthermore, you need to follow the FDA guidelines for the safety and security of your employees.
Are ETO Sterilization Machines Reliable?
Yes, they are reliable and make the process easier. ETO sterilization machines have advanced features to ensure that the sterilization process helps you reduce the cycle time. Accurate gas concentration and temperature uniformity, with safety features make them an ideal choice in the healthcare industry.
How to Choose the Best Sterilization Technique?
With the advent of cutting edge technologies, it is possible to ensure the complete sterilization of critical medical devices. However, you need to consider some key parameters. The compatibility of the material with the sterilizers and the compliance with the regulatory rules is vital for the choosing the technology. ETO sterilizers are a popular choice among medical professionals and are cost-effective. Moreover, various sterilizer machines can help you achieve precise results with a limited time.