Plasma sterilization vs. EtO (EO) Gas Sterilization for Veterinarians

Any practicing veterinarian knows how important it is to have the surgical equipment properly and quickly sterilized between procedures. Nothing is worse than having a patient prepped for surgery and then realizing the only instrument in the hospital that is needed for surgery in 5 minutes is not currently sterile. At VetOvation, we sell the latest equipment that sterilizes batteries, plastic tubing, single-patient-use vessel sealers, and other items faster, safer, and more efficiently. Don’t know which sterilization platform is best for your practice? Read below to learn the difference between hydrogen peroxide H2O2 plasma sterilization and EtO (EO) gas sterilization.

What is gas plasma sterilization?

With gas plasma sterilization, hydrogen peroxide vapor is used to inactivate microorganisms, including resistant bacterial spores which may not be cleaned off with just a disinfectant and water. Because laparoscopic equipment can be sensitive to traditional autoclaves, utilizing a gas plasma sterilization unit such as the Sterlink will effectively sterilize your equipment without damaging it and without any of the off-gassing concerns of Ethylene Oxide (EtO). Scopes, camera heads, vessel sealing handles, drills, and even batteries can be safely sterilized with gas plasma platforms. The Sterlink system, developed by Plasmapp, is also faster than most traditional autoclaves, taking as little as 7 minutes depending on the pieces of equipment being sterilized. The Sterlink system also uses a vacuum function to allow the high-temperature steam to sterilize the areas which normally would be occupied by ambient air. With its affordability and low environmental impact, the Sterlink system is one of the best on the market for sterilization of minimally invasive surgical equipment.

What is EtO gas sterilization?

EtO gas sterilization uses the chemical ethylene oxide to destroy microorganisms on the surgical equipment. These chemicals react together during the right temperature and humidity to kill germs. Time and concentration of chemicals are also factors that contribute to sterilization. Like gas plasma, EtO sterilization also uses a vacuum in a sealed chamber. Depending on the exposure and amount of equipment that needs to be clean, it can take 12 to 24 hours for a single cycle.
Unfortunately, there are some disadvantages to using EtO. The mixture is carcinogenic to humans, meaning that you are putting yourself at risk for cancer over time. EtO is also highly flammable. It is five times as expensive compared to using hydrogen peroxide for cleaning. When using EtO, the room must have a separate ventilation system and follow specific regulations. EtO sterilization has been used for years and is effective but does propose major downsides compared to newer alternatives.

What does VetOvation sell?

We take pride in providing our customers with the latest, most effective veterinary equipment. As the United States distributor for Plasmapp, VetOvation is proud to offer the Sterlink system and accompanying kits, as well as training on how to use the system. The smallest of the kits is the Sterpack, which is ideal for one piece of equipment and only takes seven minutes to sterilize – that’s seven minutes from the start of the sterilization process to actually being used in surgery! The Sterpack Plus has a medium pouch for several items and takes 14 minutes to sterilize. Finally the largest kit is the Sterload, which only takes 36 minutes to fully sterilize a whole case of surgical equipment, along with other items such as vessel sealers, scopes, and headlamps.

If you are still unsure what the best option is for your practice, make sure to take a look at our online shop to learn more about each product. Call us for any other questions that you might have. We train all our customers on-site to ensure the transition to new equipment is easy and stress-free. We look forward to working with your office soon!