ETO full form in medical term is Ethylene Oxide Sterilization, a low-temperature gaseous process commonly used to sterilize a variety of pharmaceutical and medical products, such as plastic packaging, single-use medical devices, plastic containers, etc. Since it is a vacuum-based process, it can efficiently pass through the surfaces of medical equipment, and its low temperature makes it an effective process for a plethora of healthcare products.
The process comprises four major variables: temperature, gas concentration, humidity, and time.
Ethylene oxide is an alkylating mediator that disrupts the reproductive processes and cellular metabolism of microorganisms. It breaks through breathable packaging, making contact with all nearby surfaces of the product to impart the required SAL (sterility assurance level).
EO is perfect for sterilizing a variety of products and materials that do not withstand sterilization methods. Some of the common products that are processed with EO:
Stages of Sterilizing