An ethylene oxide (EO) sterilizer is a specialized medical device commonly used to sterilize heat-sensitive and moisture-sensitive items that cannot be effectively sterilized using other methods, such as steam or dry heat. Ethylene oxide is a colorless and flammable gas that has potent antimicrobial properties, making it an effective agent for killing a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and spores.
The process of sterilization using an ethylene oxide sterilizer involves several steps:
Preparation: Items to be sterilized are carefully inspected and prepared for the sterilization process. This may include removing any packaging materials or covers that could interfere with the gas penetration.
Loading: The items are loaded into the sterilization chamber within the sterilizer. Proper spacing and arrangement are important to ensure even gas distribution and effective sterilization.
Gas Injection: Ethylene oxide gas is introduced into the chamber. The chamber is sealed to prevent gas leakage, and the gas is circulated to ensure uniform distribution around the items to be sterilized.
Exposure: The items are exposed to the ethylene oxide gas for a specific period of time. This exposure time is determined based on factors such as the type of items being sterilized, their size, and the microbial load.
Humidity and Temperature Control: The sterilization process often involves maintaining specific humidity and temperature levels to enhance the effectiveness of the ethylene oxide gas in killing microorganisms.
Aeration: After the exposure phase, the ethylene oxide gas is removed from the chamber. This is typically done through aeration, during which the chamber is ventilated to allow the gas to dissipate and reach safe levels.
Residual Gas Removal: To ensure that any residual ethylene oxide gas is removed from the sterilized items, they may undergo aeration cycles, which help reduce the gas concentration to safe levels.
Quality Control: After the aeration process, the sterilized items are thoroughly tested to ensure that they meet the required sterility assurance levels. This can involve biological indicators, chemical indicators, and other tests to verify the effectiveness of the sterilization process.
It's important to note that ethylene oxide is a toxic and potentially carcinogenic substance, and its use requires strict adherence to safety protocols and regulations. Ethylene oxide sterilization is often used for medical devices, pharmaceutical products, and items that are sensitive to high temperatures or moisture. However, due to the potential hazards associated with ethylene oxide exposure, there has been a growing emphasis on finding alternative sterilization methods that are safer for both the environment and the people involved in the process.
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Vertical Autoclave LVA-A10 is top-loading vertical pressure steam of vertical sterilizer with a chamber capacity of 35 L, working vertical steam sterilization temperature and pressure of 134C and 0.22 MPa respectively.
Designed with four wheels (castors) at the base for easy movement of the unit.
The vertical autoclave specifications standard 02 pcs of stainless steel baskets to keep the sterilization material load.
The chamber is constructed of long-lasting 304-grade stainless steel with superior corrosion resistance property.
The vertical autoclave specifications units are equipped with dual scale numerical pressure gauge to indicate the temperature and pressure of the system of the vertical autoclave sterilization process.
The vertical autoclave working principle on electric heating or direct heating by immersing copper tubes of heating elements of vertical autoclave functions.
