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Quick Guide: Sterilisation Methods for Medical Instruments

Posted on: 14/04/2025

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Different medical devices require different sterilisation processes to ensure patient safety and compliance.

This table gives a quick overview of the main methods, including symbols seen on packaging.

 
Sterilisation Method Process Snapshot Product Examples Where Used
Ethylene Oxide (EO or ETO) Gas
 
  • Low-temperature gas sterilisation (ideal for plastics, electronics)
  • Used for single-use instruments and procedure packs
  • Penetrates the breathable side of the packaging
  • Takes longer and needs aeration (to remove gas residue after penetration)
 https://www.eo-sterilizers.com/Ethylene_oxide_sterilizer/Large_scale_sterilize_equipment_23.html
Procedure Packs
Gamma Radiation
 
  • Uses high-energy gamma rays
  • Common for pre-packaged, disposable medical devices
  • No heat, no moisture—great for sensitive items
  • Fast, effective, and scalable
 https://www.sterixpert.de/de/bestrahlungsservice.html Sutures
Steam Sterilisation (Autoclave)
 
  • Uses pressurised steam at high temperatures (121–134°C)
  • Fast, reliable, and widely used in hospitals
  • Suitable for metal instruments, some textiles and glass
  • Not suitable for heat/moisture-sensitive items
  • Click HERE to watch a clip of this process on Youtube  
 https://www.ptc1.com/steam-sterilization Re-Usable Instrument Packs
Hydrogen Peroxide Plasma (Low Temp)
 
  • No universal ISO symbol yet—often labelled as "Sterilised using vaporised hydrogen peroxide"
  • Low-temperature vapour sterilisation
  • Short cycles, safe for heat-sensitive plastics and optics
  • Growing in popularity in modern decontamination units
 https://www.steris.com/healthcare/knowledge-center/sterile-processing/managing-water-crisis-spd Specialist Devices/Complex Surfaces

 
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