What Is a Gas Sterilizer?
Gas sterilizers are devices that utilize gas to eliminate microorganisms on medical devices, cosmetic containers, and other items requiring strict hygiene. Unlike methods that employ high-pressure steam or gamma radiation, gas sterilization is less likely to damage the items being sterilized.
The primary gases used in these sterilizers are ethylene oxide and hydrogen peroxide. Ethylene oxide gas sterilization is versatile and applicable to a wide range of materials, while hydrogen peroxide is favored for its lack of aeration requirement post-sterilization, making it efficient and safe for various applications.
Uses of Gas Sterilizers
Gas sterilizers are predominantly used in the medical sector for sterilizing reusable medical equipment and materials. These devices are preferred for items sensitive to heat, pressure, and moisture because they offer a gentler sterilization process. Outside the medical field, gas sterilizers are also employed for sterilizing temperature-sensitive plastic containers, such as those used in cosmetics.
Principle of Gas Sterilizers
Gas sterilizers, especially those using ethylene oxide, operate through controlled humidity and temperature conditions to maximize sterilization efficacy. Ethylene oxide is effective at room temperature and is non-corrosive to plastics and metals. The sterilization process involves maintaining specific temperature and humidity levels within the sterilizer and exposing items to ethylene oxide gas. This process requires careful management of conditions and a post-sterilization aeration phase to remove any residual gas, which is crucial due to the toxic and carcinogenic nature of ethylene oxide.
Features of Gas Sterilizers
The effectiveness of gas sterilization is influenced by factors such as gas concentration, humidity, temperature, exposure time, and the uniformity of gas dispersion within the sterilizer. Optimal conditions include a high concentration of ethylene oxide gas, sufficient humidity to facilitate the gas’s interaction with microorganisms, and a controlled temperature range to ensure effective sterilization without compromising the gas’s sterilizing properties. Additionally, ensuring uniform dispersion of the gas and adequate exposure time is critical for achieving thorough sterilization.
Preconditioning and the use of agitators within the sterilizer help achieve uniform humidity, temperature, and gas dispersion, ensuring effective sterilization across all items. The choice of packaging and loading method inside the sterilizer also plays a significant role in the uniformity of gas dispersion.