One of the most popular methods of sterilization of medical devices is through exposure to Ethylene Oxide gas (EtO/EO). The gas is an alkaline agent that infiltrates packaged medical devices to kill microorganisms and thus achieve sterilization. EtO is toxic and flammable/explosive at low temperatures (flash point of -20°C) and so is used on products that could get damaged or cannot withstand high temperature processes. Typically the process is applied on:
Due to its reactive nature the actual EtO process must occur within enclosed chambers to prevent leaks and exposure to the ethylene oxide gas. Also EtO Sterilization is a lengthier process than other methods such as Gamma as it involves three stages:
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