ETHYLENE OXIDE (C2H4O)



ETO is a tiny molecule in which two carbon and four hydrogen atoms are joined to one oxygen atom in a highly strained ring. Because of the chemical's very low boiling point (10.4ºC), it becomes active at room temperature. It vaporizes and permeates rapidly through packaging, dissolving in substances  like  plastic  and  rubber.  EO  readily  kills  all types  of  microorganisms  under  ordinary atmospheric conditions. Its fragile molecular bonds allow it to quickly react with a wide variety of compounds. The resulting chemical reaction is called alkylation.

As with any other sterilization agent, ethylene oxide must be used carefully.  Because ethylene oxide is a toxic substance, users must pay attention to correct usage guidelines to avoid adverse effects for operators or patients. Since the gas actually dissolves in porous substances, aeration is required after sterilization to remove residues. Because pure ethylene oxide is flammable ether, care must be  taken to prevent its ignition.

AXIS ETO sterilizers

AX  series  Ethylene  Oxide  Gas Sterilization  equipment  with trademark  of  AXIS  are fully automatic equipments, for sterilization of all kinds of plastic, rubber, sensitive, metallic, mechanical and electromechanical medical and surgical materials and laboratory equipment, resistant or nonresistant to heat, by using ethylene oxide (C2H4O) gas, an antibacterial agent, in 54°C, ambient temperature.

For more information on
AXIS ETO sterilizers CLICK here

or CONTACT US

Instruments which are frequently Gas Sterilized:

Fiber optic endoscopes, surgical telescopes, Ophthalmic instruments, Plastic instruments (e.g., specula, syringes) Anesthesia masks and circuits, Rubber and plastic tubing (e.g., catheters) Electrical equipment (e.g., drills, pumps, motors) Respirators and inhalation therapy supplies, Surgical staplers/staples, sutures, sharps etc.

Some of these items can be sterilized using autoclaves, but the high heat, moisture and pressure of the process often causes rapid deterioration in their quality. Many plastic instruments such as speculi can be reused almost indefinitely when they are gas sterilized. Similarly, fiber optic endoscopes may be re- sterilized with gas, without any adverse effect.