The Popularity And Place Of Ethylene Oxide In The Global Medical Industry

Ethylene Oxide (EtO) has become very common over the years as a portable and effective sterilising agent. It is essential to understand what it is, how it works and what its particular place is in the global medical industry.

Sterilising Agent

At one time, heat sterilisation was the only available method, but technological advancements have brought a host of new options, including EtO. Ethylene Oxide is a colourless gas that has a wide range of industrial uses from textiles to detergents and solvents. The U.S. military was first to use it as a sterilising agent in the 1940s, and it made the transition to civilian hospitals in the late 1950s. In the 1960s, a process was invented by Harold Andersen that used a gas diffusion method, requiring less EtO than previous methods. Small ampoules and plastic bags took the place of large chambers.

This process, called the Anprolene system, has proved to be an important advancement, as the need for sterilisation has increased greatly over the years. The rise in the number of surgeries being performed and an aging population are contributing factors to the growing need. Having more options and available technologies to meet that need is of tremendous importance.

Advantages of EtO

One of the advantages of EtO is that it is particularly effective in sterilising instruments and objects that are sensitive to high temperatures, such as those that use plastic packaging or that contain delicate electronics or optics. EtO can penetrate thin surfaces well, such as cloth, paper and even plastic films, enabling it to kill microbes in hard-to-reach places. EtO is lethal to all known forms of bacterial, viral and fungal life, though some require longer exposure time than others.

EtO sterilisation works by attaching to hydrogen molecules, which prevents necessary functions for sustaining life, disrupting DNA and protein reactions. With enough EtO present, these disruptions become fatal to microbial life.

Risks and Safety Measures

There is some degree of debate in the medical community about the widespread use of EtO, because direct exposure can have toxic effects on humans. Consequently, taking steps to protect personnel from coming into contact is essential. EtO is also flammable, so proper precautions must be put in place to avoid accidental ignition. However, with the right equipment and precautions, safety risks are minimal. Air scanning and EtO detection units can be used to prevent accidental overexposure. However, because of potential dangers, it has become more common for companies to contract out to specialists rather than perform the sterilisations themselves.

Continued Popularity

Nowadays, the Anprolene system uses a small EtO cartridge and a flexible chamber for sterilisation. This addresses concerns about environmental impact by using a small dose. It is a highly portable system, which makes it a popular choice among hospitals and clinics. It also has been a popular alternative for medical equipment manufacturers. Varying sizes of sterilisers mean it can handle small or large quantities. Despite the ongoing debate about safety risks as well as tightening restrictions in certain places, EtO continues to be a popular choice in North America, Europe and Asia because of its effectiveness.

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Editor's Note: Ashley Mooney is the Managing Director at Andersen Products, a company which has been providing Europe and the USA with Ethylene Oxide sterilisation solutions since the 1950s.