What type of sterilization uses ethylene oxide?

Gas sterilization is the method that uses ethylene oxide as its sterilizing agent. Ethylene oxide is a colorless gas at room temperature and is effective in killing a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This method is particularly advantageous for items that cannot withstand high temperatures or moisture, making it suitable for sterilizing heat-sensitive medical equipment such as electronics, plastics, and rubber.

Gas sterilization with ethylene oxide works by disrupting the DNA of microorganisms, thus preventing them from replicating and effectively rendering them non-viable. The process generally involves placing the items to be sterilized in a chamber where they are exposed to the gas for a specific duration, followed by a thorough aeration step to remove any residual gas before the items can be safely used.

In contrast, dry heat sterilization involves the use of hot air without moisture to kill microorganisms, moist heat sterilization typically employs steam under pressure (like in an autoclave), and radiation sterilization uses ionizing radiation to eliminate pathogens. Each of these methods has its own specific uses and applications, making ethylene oxide gas sterilization uniquely suited for certain types of materials and instruments.