The ethylene oxide sterilizer can quickly sterilize items. However, when sterilizing in an EO sterilizer, in order to ensure the integrity of the sterilized items and complete the sterilization effect, many details need to be paid attention to. When sterilizing with an EO sterilizer, suitable sterilization parameters can be selected according to the type, packaging, and loading of the sterilized items.
1. The relationship between concentration, temperature and sterilization time. Within a certain range, the increase in temperature and concentration can shorten the sterilization time. When using ethylene oxide for sterilization, the temperature, concentration and time parameters must be selected reasonably.
2. Control the relative humidity of the sterilization environment and the moisture content of the articles. The water content of the bacteria itself and the water content of the sterilized items have a significant impact on the sterilization effect of ethylene oxide. In general, the relative humidity is 60% to 80%. Too little water content will affect the penetration of ethylene oxide and the alkylation of ethylene oxide and reduce its sterilization ability; too much water content will dilute and hydrolyze ethylene oxide, which will also affect the sterilization effect. In order to achieve the ideal humidity level, first, the sterilized material must be pre-humidified. Generally, the sterilized material must be placed in an environmental condition of 50% relative humidity for at least 2 hours; second, a humidification device can be used to ensure the ideal humidity level in the cabinet.
3. Pay attention to the influence of the bacteria in vitro protection on the sterilization effect. The more organic matter on the surface of the bacteria, the more difficult it is to kill; the organic matter not only affects the penetration of ethylene oxide, but also consumes part of the ethylene oxide. Microorganisms in inorganic salts or organic crystals are difficult to kill with ethylene oxide. Therefore, before ethylene oxide sterilization, organic and inorganic contaminants on the items must be fully cleaned to ensure successful sterilization.
