Which types of packaging materials are acceptable for use with EO sterilization?

Types and Use of Sterilization Packaging Materials

• Paper.
• Plastic.
• Cloth.
• Paper/plastic peel packages.
• Wrapped perforated cassettes.

Can ethylene oxide penetrate plastic?

Information about ethylene oxide sterilization Ethylene oxide sterilization processes are very effective and have the advantage that ethylene oxide is able to penetrate plastic tubes and therefore, long plastic tubes can be securely sterilized.

What plastic can be sterilized?

Polypropylene (PP) and polypropylene copolymer (PPCO) containers can be autoclaved many times. Fluoropolymer products, such as Teflon PFA, FEP, or ETFE, can be autoclaved without problems.

What does ethylene oxide react with?

Ethylene oxide readily reacts with aqueous solutions of hydrochloric, hydrobromic and hydroiodic acids to form halohydrins.

Can you autoclave Delrin?

Is Delrin® autoclaveable? Delrin® acetal resin survived 100 15-minute cycles of 121 degrees C (250° F) in an autoclave. However, additional cycles could result in surface chalking and hydrolysis.

Which of the following is not an acceptable sterilization packaging material?

55 Cards in this Set

The FDA classifies sterilization packaging as a	Class II medical device
Which of the following is NOT an acceptable sterilization packaging material?	Canvas
Wicking material are used to:	Allow air removal, steam penetration and facilitate drying

Which wrapping material can be used for ethylene oxide sterilization?

Muslin wrappers and paper bags traditionally used for steam sterilization are acceptable as wrapping materials, but new transparent plas- tics are often preferable in that they allow the user to see exactly what is in the package.

What materials Cannot autoclaved?

As a general rule of thumb, you CANNOT autoclave materials that are contaminated with solvents, radioactive materials, volatile or corrosive chemicals, or items that contain mutagens, carcinogens, or teratogens.

What is EtO sterilization?

EtO Sterilization is a low-temperature process (typically between 37 and 63°C) that uses Ethylene Oxide gas to reduce the level of infectious agents. EtO is used in gas form and is usually mixed with other substances, such as CO2 or steam.

Is ethylene oxide corrosive to stainless steel?

Use only stainless steel or nickel. Ethylene oxide decomposes or polymerizes violently on contact with potassium, tin, zinc, aluminum, iron oxides, copper, silver, mercury, magnesium and their alloys. It will also react violently with caustic soda, hydrated lime, magnesium chloride, ammonia, alcohols and amines.

Is ethylene oxide soluble in water?

Ethylene oxide is a colorless, flammable gas. It is highly soluble in water (1×106 mg/L at 20°C) and possesses a high vapor pressure (1.095×103 mm Hg at 20°C).

Can HDPE be autoclaved?

HDPE is not autoclavable, even though the maximum use temperature (120°C) is very close to the typical autoclave temperature (121°C).

Can polypropylene be autoclaved?

Polypropylene is a durable inexpensive plastic resin which is commonly used to contain material during autoclaving. Polypropylene plastic pans with 6-12 inch sides are favored over polyethylene and polystyrene because polypropylene can withstand autoclaving without melting.

Can sterile and non sterile supplies be stored together?

Non-sterile stock may be stored in the same area as sterile supply but should have clear segregation from sterile supply by cleanable barrier or partition. Dividers in storage containers should ensure no mixing of stock and allow differentiation of same items and different sizes.

How do you package instruments for sterilization?

Heavy instrument sets require thicker packaging. Place corner protectors or tray liners between the instrument set and packaging to reduce holes that occur when instrument sets with sharp corners cut the wrapper. Place transport trays under the instrument set to facilitate handling after sterilization and avoid tears.

What does EO mean in sterilization?

Ethylene Oxide
Ethylene Oxide “Gas” Sterilization. Steam Sterilization.

How long does ethylene oxide stay on surfaces?

EtO is a volatile compound, meaning that it does not persist for a very long time in the environment. Its estimated half-life in the atmosphere is 69 days (during summer months) to 149 days (during winter months).

Is EtO heavier than air?

6. Unusual fire and explosion hazards: Vapors of EtO will burn without the presence of air or other oxidizers. EtO vapors are heavier than air and may travel along the ground and be ignited by open flames or sparks at locations remote from the site at which EtO is being used.