EO Sterilization Helps Protect Patients from Hospital-Acquired Infections

But here’s the good news: one of the most powerful tools we have to stop these infections before they start is something most patients never see — ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization reimagined.

Let’s explore how EO sterilization works and why it plays such a vital role in keeping patients safe.

What Is EO Sterilization?

EO sterilization uses ethylene oxide gas to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores on medical devices — especially those that can’t handle the heat or moisture of traditional steam sterilization. It’s widely used to provide terminal sterilization for many devices, including medical instruments:

• Surgical instruments
• Catheters
• Pacemakers
• Complex plastic and electronic medical equipment
• long lumens

Ethylene oxide is incredibly effective because it penetrates deep into materials and packaging, reaching even the narrowest tubes, most complex devices or hardest-to-access surfaces. There are two types of EO sterilization. The traditional sterilization method takes place in a rigid chamber requiring up to 170 grams of ethylene oxide. However, Andersen’s EOGas 4^PLUS features award-winning EO-Flexible Chamber Technology, which allows the system to use 90% less EO than the rigid chamber system. This truly is EO sterilization reimagined.

EO Matters When Protecting From HAI

Let’s break down exactly how EO sterilization helps fight hospital-acquired infections:

1. Lethal on a Wide Range of Germs

EO sterilization is lethal against:

• Bacteria like E. coli and Staph aureus
• Viruses such as HIV, hepatitis B and C
• Fungal spores like Candida
• Resistant microorganisms like Clostridium difficile

These are the very pathogens that cause infections after surgeries, catheter use, and invasive procedures.

2. Keeps Delicate Medical Devices Safe to Use

Many modern medical tools are made from materials that can melt or warp in heat. Gentle on instruments, EO sterilization allows hospitals to:

• Sterilize heat-sensitive and moisture-sensitive devices
• Maintain the integrity of life-saving tools like stents, ventilator tubing, and endoscopes

3. Reaches Where Other Methods Can’t

EO gas can penetrate deep into:

• Device lumens and tiny internal channels
• Packaging materials
• Multi-layered surgical kits

That means even the most complex instruments are sterile inside and out.

4. Helps Hospitals Meet Infection Control Standards

EO sterilization is tightly regulated (ISO 11135, FDA guidelines) and validated through:

• Strict quality checks
• Routine monitoring
• Traceable sterilization cycles

This ensures consistency and peace of mind — for both healthcare professionals and patients.

Real-World Impact: EO in Action

Think about the last time someone you know had:

• Surgery
• A catheter inserted
• A diagnostic scope procedure

In each of these cases, sterile equipment was essential. If just one device had not been properly sterilized, it could lead to an infection that delays healing or causes serious complications. EO sterilization makes these procedures safer by default, protecting patients without them ever knowing it.

Bottom Line

Hospital-acquired infections are a major concern, but with proven tools like ethylene oxide sterilization, hospitals have a powerful defense. By effectively sterilizing complex and delicate medical devices, EO helps:

• Prevent infections
• Protect vulnerable patients
• Support safe, high-quality care

So the next time you or a loved one goes in for a procedure, remember — behind the scenes, EO sterilization is working to keep you safe.

Want to Learn More?

For more information on our FDA-cleared EOGas 4^PLUS and our breakthrough technology and how it works, visit Our Technology.