What it means
ethylene oxideETH-ih-leen OK-sideA gas used at low temperature to sterilize medical items that heat or moisture would damage.Full entry sterilizes heat-sensitive items, but the gas soaks into plastics and rubber and is toxic to tissue. Aeration holds the items in a heated chamber with moving filtered air for a set time, often many hours, until the gas level is safe. In general use, aeration means adding air to something.
For the nurse
Items sterilized with ethylene oxide are not used until aeration is complete; cutting it short can burn tissue.
Related terms
ethylene oxide
A gas used at low temperature to sterilize medical items that heat or moisture would damage.
reprocessing
The steps that make a used reusable medical device safe to use on the next patient.
sterilizer
A machine that kills all germs, including spores, on instruments and supplies.