Abstract
The new low-temperature sterilization technologies are presented as an alternative to the use of ethylene oxide. This review was performed in order to identify evidences of the antimicrobial activity, toxicity, adverse events and the applicability of these technologies. The research was carried through the electronic databases MEDLINE and LILACS up to 2005. The authors analyzed 10 articles in this survey. The studies about the efficacy of these sterilization methods constitute experimental and comparative research that showed the influence of the extension and diameter of the lumen, besides the presence of crystal salts. Thus, choosing the correct equipment is essential, as well as the assurance of the cleansing of the devices, which interfere with the effectiveness of the low-temperature sterilization. These technologies present limitations regarding the sterilization of graft bone and affect the materials properties.
Highlights
Ethylene oxide is the eldest low temperature sterilization method and has been used since the 1950’s to reprocess heat-sensitive medical-hospital materials
Different factors have influenced professionals and health institutions to look for new sterilization technologies
Rutala and Weber identify the reasons for this search among health professionals in the United States, such as complying with environmental legislation that establishes the elimination of CFC gas use, which is a better thinner than ethylene oxide, which affects the ozone layer, and regulating acceptable exposure levels to ethylene oxide, established by the public occupational health body[1,2]
Summary
Ethylene oxide is the eldest low temperature sterilization method and has been used since the 1950’s to reprocess heat-sensitive medical-hospital materials. Different factors have influenced professionals and health institutions to look for new sterilization technologies. The search for new low temperature sterilization technologies is justified by the same motives as in the USA, besides the need for faster reprocessing than when using ethylene oxide. The challenge for hospital infection control and material center professionals in health institutions is to assess available new technologies in terms of microbiological safety, cost-effectiveness and the absence of adverse effects for patients and professionals. The user’s choice should be based on scientific evidence
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