GeneralDifferent Types of Medical Sterilizers

Medical equipment that has not been adequately sterilized can present a risk to patients and medical staff alike. No single strategy is effective in all situations; different medical sterilizer technologies are needed. Here are some of the more common sterilization strategies used in the medical field:

Commonly Used Types of Medical Sterilizers

The FDA has approved many different types of medical sterilizers. The five main types of sterilizers are moist heat (steam), dry heat, radiation, ethylene oxide gas, and vaporized hydrogen peroxide. Each has a place in the medical industry, and together they may help to keep patients and staff safe.

Moist Heat Sterilization

Moist heat sterilization relies on pressurized steam to kill any microorganisms that may be present on medical tools and equipment. Devices used for moist heat sterilization are called autoclaves.

Autoclaves have many advantages. They are easy to use and do not require expensive or dangerous chemicals. Autoclaves operate at a lower temperature than dry heat sterilizers and are a good choice for sterilizing temperature-sensitive equipment. They are also fast, allowing medical staff to sterilize equipment in minutes rather than hours. Autoclaves are very common because they are a convenient way to sterilize tools and equipment onsite.

The main drawback of moist heat sterilization is the water required. Some medical devices are sensitive to moisture or prone to corrosion. Autoclaves are not a suitable means of sterilizing these tools.

Dry Heat Sterilization

Dry heat sterilization works by bringing the temperature of the equipment high enough to destroy microorganisms. This is a time-tested and reliable strategy for many applications. Dry heat sterilization is not suitable for temperature-sensitive equipment. It also takes more time and energy than other strategies like moist heat.

Radiation Sterilization

In some applications, radiation is an effective way to sterilize medical equipment. Different approaches to radiation sterilization include electron beam radiation, gamma rays, and x-rays. Radiation is an effective sterilization method, but the challenges associated with radiation exposure limit its use in specialized facilities.

Ethylene Oxide Sterilization

Ethylene oxide sterilizers are common for low-temperature applications. It is used to clean tools that are sensitive to heat and moisture. Ethylene oxide sterilization is excellent for medical supplies with multiple packaging layers and hard-to-reach places.

One drawback is that ethylene oxide is highly reactive. The gas is flammable and presents certain health risks. Equipment sterilized with ethylene oxide requires time to aerate to reduce human exposure to the gas. It is still used in hospitals but is most suitable for manufacturing.

Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilization

This technique uses vaporized hydrogen peroxide as a sterilizing agent. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into free radicals that destroy organic compounds. This kills microorganisms by oxidizing the proteins and lipids that make up their cells.

Hydrogen peroxide sterilizers are a common alternative to ethylene oxide. Toxicity is less of a concern with hydrogen peroxide because it breaks down into water and oxygen. It also takes less time to aerate equipment after sterilization.

Other Sterilization Techniques

Ethylene oxide and vaporized hydrogen peroxide are far from the only options for low-temperature gas sterilization. In some applications, chlorine dioxide gas, vaporized peracetic acid, and nitrogen dioxide are alternatives.

Ultraviolet light sterilization is becoming popular with medical facilities and other institutions. UV sterilization offers many benefits of radiation sterilization while being safer for the general public.

Photocatalytic surfaces are also becoming popular. While they are not suited to sterilizing medical equipment, they are a great way to keep work surfaces and other high-touch surfaces sterile.

Benefits of Medical Sterilizers

The needs of the medical industry are many and varied. Multiple medical sterilizer technologies provide the best protection for patients and medical staff. Use a reliable medical sterilizer vendor for your equipment needs.

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