Technology Comparison
Ethylene oxide (EO or EtO) is a simple chemical compound that is commonly used for gaseous sterilization of disposable healthcare products in their final breathable packaging. For more details, please view our TechTeam's ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization resources page.
Ethylene Oxide (EO) Sterilization vs. Gamma Sterilization Technology
The following table compares ethylene oxide sterilization with gamma irradiation. Compare the details below to determine if ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization is the right technology solution for your sterilization needs.
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Gamma
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Ethylene Oxide
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Process Type
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Continuous
Batch
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Batch
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Process Phases
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Exposure
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Pre-conditioning
Exposure
Aeration
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Process Description
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Radioisotope-generated gamma rays
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Humidity, low-temperature, gaseous process
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Total Processing Time
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Hours: time varies based on dose requirements
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Hours: time varies based on product material
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Product Release
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Dosimetric
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Biological indicators or Parametric release
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Penetration
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Complete
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Complete
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Material Compatibility
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Most materials
Plastics need to be evaluated
Avoid acetyls, Teflon® and polypropylene
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Nearly all materials
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Product Handling
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Aluminum carriers/totes with product placed in pre-determined loading pattern
Off-carrier processing
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Traditional: pallets are transferred between stages via fork truck or conveyor system
EOExpress® processing: entire process takes place in the sterilization chamber
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Residuals
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None
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Ethylene oxide and ethylene chlorohydrin
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Uses
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Sterilization, accelerated aging and materials modification
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Sterilization
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Maintaining Sterile Claim
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Quarterly dose audits
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Validation must be performed at least once every two years with traditional processing, and at least once a year when using parametric release
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Teflon® is a registered trademark of DuPont.