A Cath Lab Ethylene Oxide Gas Sterilizer is a specialized medical device designed for low-temperature sterilization of heat-sensitive equipment and instruments commonly used in cardiac catheterization laboratories (Cath Labs). Unlike traditional steam autoclaves that operate at high temperatures, ETO sterilization uses ethylene oxide gas—a colorless, odorless alkylating agent—to penetrate and eliminate microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and spores, without damaging delicate components like electronics, plastics, or complex assemblies.
This method is particularly vital in Cath Labs for sterilizing items such as cardiac catheters, stents, guidewires, balloon angioplasty devices, intra-aortic balloon pumps, and fiber-optic endoscopes. It ensures reusability of expensive disposables while maintaining sterility for invasive cardiac procedures.
Ethylene Oxide Gas Sterilizer Video
Why ETO for Cath Labs?
-
Heat Sensitivity: Cath Lab tools often include plastic packaging, electronic sensors, or multi-lumen tubing that would degrade under steam heat.
-
Penetration Power: ETO gas diffuses deeply into wrapped or packaged items, achieving a sterility assurance level (SAL) of 10⁻⁶.
-
Dry Process: Operates at 30–60°C (cold cycle at ~37°C or warm at ~55°C), avoiding moisture-related corrosion.
-
Cycle Time: Full cycles take 8–12 hours, including 8–12 hours for aeration to remove residual gas.
Applications in Cath Labs
-
Reusable Devices: Stents, catheters, scopes, and surgical kits.
-
Disposable Items: Syringes, IV sets, gloves, urine bags, and birth control devices.
-
Broader Use: Hospitals, eye/ortho clinics, gynecology units, neuro/gastroenterology labs, and research centers.
Safety and Regulatory Considerations
-
Hazards: ETO is flammable, explosive, and a potential carcinogen. Proper aeration prevents operator exposure; OSHA limits are 1 ppm over 8 hours.
-
Compliance: Units meet ISO 11135, EN 1422, and FDA standards. Eco-friendly models use 100% ETO cartridges or mixtures to minimize environmental impact.
-
Maintenance: Requires regular calibration, cleaning, and validation; chambers are double-walled with insulation for energy efficiency.
Features of Cath Lab Ethylene Oxide Gas Sterilizer
-
Used to sterilize disposable syringes, I.Vs, disposable surgical set, gloves, infusion sets, urine collecting bags, birth control apparatus and plenty of medical devices
-
Easy to operate
-
Chamber with modular construction
-
IQ, OQ and DQ documentation can be provided
-
Prevention of micro biological contamination
-
Contact parts made of SS 304 and 316
As a leading manufacturer and supplier of cath lab ethylene oxide sterilizer in India, Adinath International offers sterilizers of all sizes, ranging from small ETO sterilizers to room sized sterilizers.
Working Principle and Sterilization Process
Let’s take a look at the working principle and several stages involved in the sterilization process. Since, there is no standardized process owing to a vast diversity in exposure periods and gas concentration, the process below is a typical one and must be taken into consideration for reference purposes only.
The machine uses single use EO cartridges of 40, 100 and 170 grams. The chamber is facilitated with a single door and a simple locking system. There is an electronically controlled heating system in place to ensure a uniform heating at 50 degrees centigrade. The machine is designed for optimum durability as it contains venturi of adequate capacity inside a robust cabinet. There are control buttons for heating, gas purging and power supply requirements.
-
Product exposed to warm and humid environment
The product is exposed to a warm and humid environment for about 12 hours. 70 percent RH and 55 A Cº is maintained for a uniform temperature and humidity.
-
Introduction of ETO gas
Now the vacuum is pulled and ETO gas is introduced at this stage. The exposure is for about 4 to 8 hours at the same RH and temperature as before.
-
Removal of ETO gas
Vacuum is continually pulled for the removal of ETO gas and air is introduced into the sterilization chamber to clear out the entire ETO gas. This process lasts for about 8 to 12 hours.
Technical Specification of Ethylene Oxide Sterilizer
| Model | AETOS – 2.6 | AETOS – 4.5 | AETOS – 8 |
| Working Capacity in Cu. Ft. | 2.6 | 4.5 | 8 |
| Working Volume | 70 Liters | 125 Liters | 200 Liters |
| Chamber Size | 12” (W) x 12” (H) x 32”
|
12” (W) x 12” (H) x 54” (D) OR
15” (W) x 15” (H) x 36” (D) |
20” (W) x 18” (H) x 38” (D) OR 16” (W) x 16” (H) x 54” (D) |
| Sterilant Gas | 40 grams cartridge | 100 grams cartridge | 170 grams cartridge |
| Sterilization Cycle | Warm & Cold Cycles are possible. | Warm & Cold Cycles are possible. | Warm & Cold Cycles are possible. |
| Aeration | In-built aeration facility provided. | In-built aeration facility provided. | In-built aeration facility provided. |
| Utility | Compressed Air (100 psig) | Compressed Air (100 psig) | Compressed Air (100 psig) |
| Power Supply | 1 K.W. | 2 K.W. | 2.5 K.W. |
| Power Voltage | 220 volts, Single Phase, 50 Hertz | 220 volts, Single Phase, 50 Hertz | 220 volts, Single Phase, 50 Hertz |
* Power voltage can be adjusted as per customer’s domestic power voltage requirements.
* Rights of technical improvements & modification reserved.
* Illustrations & dimensions are shown for information purpose only.
Send Inquiry