Q. Can we use Ethylene oxide as chemical sterilant?
Ethylene oxide:
This is considered as the only chemical sterilant while the others are considered merely as disinfectants. It is a gas at temperature above 10.8 degree Celsius, a highly toxic compound that destroys by alkylation. Commercial mixtures contain 12% ETO and 88% CFC. Advantages include high penetration, no damage to heat sensitive and complex devices, evaporation with no residue.
Disadvantage are its slowness, toxicity, dry instrument to be used, flammability of material and degassing required.