STERILANTS
For many years,
pressurized steam (autoclaving) at
120°C for 30 minutes has been the basic method for sterilizing instruments and
other heat-resistant materials. When autoclaving is not possible, as with
lensed instruments and materials containing plastic and rub-ber, ethylene oxide—diluted with either
fluorocarbon or carbon dioxide to diminish explosive hazard—is used at 440–1200
mg/L at 45–60°C
with 30–60% relative humidity. The higher concentra-tions have been used to
increase penetration.
Ethylene oxide is
classified as a mutagen and carcinogen. The OSHA permissible exposure limit
(PEL) for ethylene oxide is 1 ppm calculated as a time-weighted average.
Alternative sterilants now being used increasingly include vapor phase hydrogen
peroxide, peracetic acid, ozone, gas plasma, chlorine dioxide, formaldehyde,
and propylene oxide. Each of these sterilants has potential advan-tages and
problems. Automated peracetic acid systems are being used increasingly for
high-level decontamination and sterilization of endoscopes and hemodialyzers
because of their effectiveness, automated features, and the low toxicity of the
residual products of sterilization.
Related Topics
Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions, DMCA Policy and Compliant
Copyright © 2018-2024 BrainKart.com; All Rights Reserved. Developed by Therithal info, Chennai.