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. 1989 Mar-Apr;17(2):109-10.
doi: 10.1007/BF01646894.

The use of ethylene oxide and low temperature steam/formaldehyde in hospitals

G A Ayliffe  1
Affiliations

The use of ethylene oxide and low temperature steam/formaldehyde in hospitals

G A Ayliffe. Infection. 1989 Mar-Apr.

Abstract

Reprocessing of heat-labile medical equipment is a major problem in hospital practice. Requirements are either for sterilization, e.g. cardiac catheters, or disinfection, e.g. respiratory equipment. Methods of low temperature sterilization include ethylene oxide, low-temperature steam and formaldehyde (LTS/F) and immersion in 2% glutaraldehyde. Ethylene oxide is reliable, but potentially toxic. LTS/F machines operate at a high temperature, but treated equipment needs less aeration. The advantages of these processes and possible alternatives are discussed.

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