Ethylene Oxide Sterilisation—Some Experiences and Some Practical Limitations

Abstract

Abstract Causes of failure to sterilise using ethylene oxide have been investigated. Organisms can occur naturally in conditions in which they are “protected” from the action of the gas, and in consequence its action on organisms which have been artificially protected has been studied. The work is discussed with particular reference to moisture content and relative humidity, and means of overcoming the difficulties of sterilising “protected” organisms are suggested. Bacteriological controls have been found unreliable without safeguards.