What Can Be Sterilized with Ethylene Oxide?
Many types of medical products, particularly those made from plastics, polymers, and delicate materials, rely on ethylene oxide sterilization to ensure they are free from harmful bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms. Some of the common medical consumables and devices that can be sterilized with EO gas include:
Surgical Instruments: Complex, delicate instruments, including those with intricate parts or narrow lumens.
Catheters: Used in various medical procedures, catheters must be fully sterilized to ensure patient safety.
Surgical Sutures: Both absorbable and non-absorbable sutures, which are sensitive to heat and moisture.
Pacemakers and Electronics: Medical electronics and devices that can be damaged by steam sterilization methods.
IV Sets and Tubing: Products made from plastic or rubber materials that cannot endure high temperatures.
Wound Dressings and Bandages: Particularly those with adhesive layers, which can degrade under other forms of sterilization.
Implants: Including artificial joints, stents, and other implants that require sterile packaging.