Ozone

The "newest" low temperature sterilization process.

Ethylene Oxide

This method of low temperature sterilization has been in use since the 1960s.

Less than 1 hour

Cycle time for items sterilized using hydrogen peroxide gas plasma.

Bacillus atrophaeus

Bacterial spore used to test ethylene oxide sterilization cycles.

4 hours

Cycle time for items sterilized using ozone sterilization.

8 hours

140F aeration time recommended for items sterilized with ethylene oxide.

Geobacillus stearothermophilus

Bacterial spore used to test hydrogen peroxide gas sterilization cycles.

12+hours

Cycle time for items sterilized using ethylene oxide sterilization.

OSHA

Sets exposure standards for chemical sterilants.

FDA

Requires that sterilants be rigorously tested before being marketed.

True

Of the 3 major low temperature sterilants, ethylene oxide has the longest instrument turnaround time.

False

Ethylene oxide kills microorganisms by a process called oxidation.

True

Ethylene oxide, hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, and ozone sterilization process must all be monitored using chemical, physical, and biological monitors.

False

Ethylene oxide, hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, and ozone sterilization can all use the same packaging materials.

True

Ethylene oxide has better penetration capabilities then ozone and hydrogen peroxide gas plasma.

True

Ethylene oxide is a toxic gas.

True

Cellulose-containing packaging materials are not compatible with hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization.

True

Information about a device's compatibility with a specific sterilization process should be obtained from the device's manufacturer.

False

Aeration is required for items sterilized in ozone sterilization processes.

True

Relative humidity is a required cycle parameter for ozone and ethylene oxide sterilization.