Which type of sterilization is most appropriate for items that cannot withstand high temperatures?

Ethylene oxide sterilization is the most appropriate choice for items that cannot withstand high temperatures due to its ability to operate at low temperatures. This gas is effective in sterilizing heat-sensitive medical devices and instruments, such as those made from plastics, lenses, and electronics, which could be damaged or deformed by the high temperatures used in steam or dry heat sterilization methods.

Ethylene oxide penetrates porous materials and can effectively kill a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores without the thermal stress that higher temperature methods impose. Additionally, this method allows for the sterilization of complex medical devices that are difficult to sterilize through other means.

Steam sterilization, while effective and widely used for heat-tolerant materials, operates at high temperatures (typically around 121-134 degrees Celsius), which can damage sensitive items. Radiation sterilization, though effective, is primarily used for single-use disposable items and can be more challenging to control compared to ethylene oxide. Dry heat sterilization also requires high temperatures, making it unsuitable for heat-sensitive materials.