ETO sterilizers have many benefits, including a relatively short learning curve, which can be beneficial for clinical staff. These devices also have the added benefit of being gentle on medical instruments, such as endoscopes. Steam sterilizers cannot process flexible endoscopes, and other complex devices. Because of these advantages, the use of ethylene oxide is an excellent option for sterile processing departments. Its low-temperature capabilities make it an excellent choice for complex devices.
The most important aspect of ETO sterilizer maintenance is to ensure that the device is properly calibrated. Moreover, it is crucial to ensure that the calibration of the equipment is regular and accurate. This means that the infrared detector, for instance, must be calibrated at regular intervals. It is also important to ensure that the instrument is equipped with a blank reference gas, as this will enable background correction.
ETO has a high degree of flexibility, which is essential for medical devices. However, it is not possible to control the exact temperature of the sterilization process. As a result, the exposure time to the ethylene oxide is significantly longer than it is when it is at its highest temperature. As a result, it is important to maintain the proper temperature for the ETO sterilizer. This will also ensure that the ethylene oxide concentration remains within acceptable limits.
The ETO sterilization cycle involves several stages. First, the aeration stage is the most critical. It is the step that takes the longest time, ranging from eight hours to one hundred and twenty hours. During this time, HEPA filtered air is circulated over the load at a temperature of 30degC to 50degC. The ETO gas is toxic to body tissue and is responsible for damage to the patient’s organs.
ETO sterilizers require careful maintenance. The ETO sterilization process is complex, and requires trained staff. Aside from the risk of exposure, the ETO sterilization process is highly toxic. Employees must be trained on proper safety and procedures, and an ethylene oxide concentration of 100 percent is required. A lower concentration means that the process will last longer. During this phase, the ETO is vaporized into the chamber, and the temperature will rise again.
The ETO sterilization process involves careful control of temperature and gas concentration. During this process, the ETO gas is sent to a scrubbing system, which absorbs it. After the sterilization cycle, the ETO gas is removed. It is important to follow these guidelines, as they can result in uncontrolled exposures and releases. In addition, it is important to transfer the materials to a hood after sterilization, as significant ETO levels can remain in the package even 30 minutes after the sterilization process.
The ETO Sterilizer maintenance process is important to ensure that the ETO concentrations are within the required range. The ETO concentrations must be in compliance with the validation load. The sterilizer should be cleaned and inspected periodically. The materials inside must be free of traces of ETO. The material constitution of the ETO is also monitored. The piping should be properly checked and insulated to avoid gas leaks.
