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

Verwendung von Äthylenoxyd oder Dampf niederer Temperatur/Formaldehyd in Krankenhäusern

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Summary

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.

Zusammenfassung

Die Wiederaufbereitung hitzeempfindlicher medizinischer Instrumente ist in der Krankenhauspraxis ein beträchtliches Problem. Die Instrumente müssen entweder sterilisiert (z. B. Herzkatheter) oder desinfiziert werden (Beatmungsgeräte). Methoden der Sterilisation bei niederer Temperatur umfassen Äthylenoxyd, Dampf niederer Tempertur/Formaldehyd (LTS/F) und Immersion in 2%igem Glutaraldehyd. Äthylenoxyd ist zuverlässig, aber potentiell toxisch. LTS/F-Maschinen arbeiten bei hohen Temperaturen, doch benötigen die behandelten Instrumente weniger Belüftung. Die Vor- und Nachteile dieser Methoden und Alternativen werden diskutiert.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hospital Infection Research Laboratory, Dudley Road Hospital, B18 7QH, Birmingham, England

    G. A. J. Ayliffe

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  1. G. A. J. Ayliffe
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3rd International Symposium on Nosocomial Infection Control; presented 23–25 September 1987 at the University of Ulm

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Ayliffe, G.A.J. The use of ethylene oxide and low temperature steam/formaldehyde in hospitals. Infection 17, 109–110 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01646894

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01646894

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