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Sterilizing equipment that combines the use of steam and ethylene oxide gas in one unit; the equipment is designed for total inactivation of microorganisms that are or may be present on medical devices that are not sensitive to high temperature, water, or steam. The units are intended for simultaneous sterilization of a large volume (i.e., bulk) of medical devices. These units are usually a free-standing equipment including a large treatment chamber with shelves the devices to be sterilized are placed on, usually after being cleaned of gross debris and then packed; means to introduce the steam (typically from an external boiler using a dedicated line) and/or the ethylene oxide gas into the chamber; and controls to regulate the time and/or temperature of the procedure. Frequently the time and temperature of the sterilizing cycles are pre-established according the type of device to be sterilized; the typical sterilization temperature range is 121 to 135 degrees Celsius (250 to 275 degrees Fahrenheit). After the sterilization cycle is complete, the steam and gas residues are exhausted, frequently using partial vacuum to facilitate the extraction. Bulk steam/ethylene oxide sterilizing units are used mainly in hospital central supply departments and/or in other healthcare facility areas that perform a great deal of sterilization.
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