[Studies on the method of sterilization with ethylene oxide gas. 2. Residual EO gas on sterilized objects]. 1989

H Arimoto, and H Wakui, and M Sakagami, and Y Abe, and K Magara, and N Yohkoh, and T Kanri

Ethylene oxide gas (EO gas) adsorbed onto sterilized objects was quantitated in an effort to take a safety measure against residual EO gas following its use in sterilization. We measured residual amounts of EO gas adsorbed onto laboratory wares, small medical tools and appliances just after post-sterilization airation to examine whether they were rendered entirely free from EO gas by the process. The results led us to arrive at the following conclusions: 1. EO gas was recognized to remain on sterilized objects even after allowing them to stand for about 16 hours following airation. 2. The amount of residual EO gas was smaller on metallic products and larger on rubber products (notably rubber gloves). An exceedingly high concentration of EO gas was noted to remain on a tooth-brush, among other plastic materials. These facts seem to indicate that the amount of residual EO gas is closely related to the texture and shape of materials to be sterilized. 3. As regards the potential toxicity of residual EO gas. However, their sensitivity was proved to be questionable, judgment on a result being subject to considerable individual variations. 4. Nevertheless, it is incontestable that these devices can at least provide a rough estimate of unavailing since monitoring by direct measurement of residual EO gas is virtually infeasible from a practical point of view.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007754 Laboratories, Dental Facilities for the performance of services related to dental treatment but not done directly in the patient's mouth. Dental Laboratories,Dental Laboratory,Laboratory, Dental
D003762 Dental Instruments Hand-held tools or implements especially used by dental professionals for the performance of clinical tasks. Instrument, Dental,Dental Instrument,Instruments, Dental
D004866 Equipment Contamination The presence of an infectious agent on instruments, prostheses, or other inanimate articles. Contamination, Equipment,Contaminations, Equipment,Equipment Contaminations
D005027 Ethylene Oxide A colorless and flammable gas at room temperature and pressure. Ethylene oxide is a bactericidal, fungicidal, and sporicidal disinfectant. It is effective against most micro-organisms, including viruses. It is used as a fumigant for foodstuffs and textiles and as an agent for the gaseous sterilization of heat-labile pharmaceutical and surgical materials. (From Reynolds, Martindale The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p794) Oxirane,Oxide, Ethylene
D013242 Sterilization The destroying of all forms of life, especially microorganisms, by heat, chemical, or other means.

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