Ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization is

• A. high-temperature sterilization used for metal instruments
• B. a rapid high-heat process
• C. a low-temperature sterilization method used for moisture and heat sensitive items
• D. a radiation-based sterilization method

Answer: (C)

Ethylene oxide sterilization is a low-temperature chemical sterilization method used for moisture- and heat-sensitive items. Because it uses gas at modest temperatures, it can sterilize devices that would be damaged by steam or dry heat, such as plastics, electronics, and delicate instrumentation, and it can penetrate wrapped packs and narrow lumens. The process requires careful control of humidity and exposure time, followed by thorough aeration to remove residual EO due to its toxicity. This makes it slower and more involved than traditional high-temperature autoclaving, but essential for items that cannot tolerate heat. It is not a rapid high-heat or radiation-based method.