Traditional Ethylene Oxide (EO) Sterilization

The typical ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization process may take place within a traditional cycle or through our exclusive EOExpress® expedited processing cycle. Both processes consist of three phases: pre-conditioning, sterilization and aeration.

Traditional Ethylene Oxide Processing Cycle

• Biological indicators are placed into the sterilization load, and the load is placed into a preconditioning room
• The product is then moved into the sterilization chamber where it is treated with ethylene oxide gas
• Following exposure, the product is transferred into an aeration cell for dissipation of the ethylene oxide
• Biological indicators are removed from the product and tested
• Product is shipped to the Customer while still in quarantine
• Product is released once the biological indicators have completed testing and the ethylene oxide residual levels are acceptable

Contact Us
Contact a STERIS Isomedix Services representative to learn more about the ethylene oxide sterilization process.