MICROWAVE DESORPTION - A COMBINED STERILIZER AERATOR FOR THE ACCELERATED ELIMINATION OF ETHYLENE-OXIDE RESIDUES FROM STERILIZED SUPPLIES

Ethylene oxide gas is widely used in medical and related facilities for low-temperature sterilization of surgical devices. Evidence of its toxicity and, in particular, its mutagenicity and carcinogenicity provide sufficient reasons for caution in its use and for minimizing exposure. Little advancement has been made in the removal of ethylene oxide residuals from plastics into which the gas is heavily absorbed during sterilization, despite the fact that the gas has been used for 20 years or more. This article describes a novel process (PCT Application/GB85/00509) in which microwave irradiation of ethylene oxide-sterilized materials is utilized to enhance the rate at which the gas is desorbed. The experimental apparatus is described. Data are presented in support of the authors' claim of a 400% improvement in the efficiency of the new process over conventional aeration procedures.