How is ethylene oxide sterilization different from steam sterilization?

Ethylene oxide sterilization is indeed slower and performed at lower temperatures compared to steam sterilization. This method employs ethylene oxide gas, which can effectively penetrate materials and sterilize items that might be damaged by the heat and moisture of steam.

The process typically operates at ambient temperatures, allowing for a wider range of materials to be sterilized, including heat-sensitive items like electronics, certain plastics, and delicate instruments. Given that it operates at lower temperatures, it is crucial for maintaining the integrity of these materials while ensuring effective sterilization.

Moreover, ethylene oxide sterilization inherently involves a longer cycle time. This is due to the need for adequate exposure time to achieve the desired level of sterility, as well as the requirement for aeration phases to remove any residual gas post-sterilization before the items can be safely handled.

In contrast, steam sterilization utilizes high temperatures and pressure, which significantly reduce the time required for effective sterilization but may not be suitable for all materials. Understanding these fundamental differences helps in choosing the appropriate sterilization method based on the specific requirements of the items being processed.