Sterilization refers to any process that eliminates or kills all forms of microbial life, such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, spores, or other biological agents, present on a surface, contained in a fluid, in medication, or in a compound such as biological culture media. Sterilization can be achieved through various means, including heat, chemicals, irradiation, high pressure, and filtration. The goal is to prevent the growth of any microorganisms. Sterilization is commonly performed in healthcare facilities to remove contaminants from medical equipment and supplies. Proper sterilization is necessary to prevent the spread of infection in medical settings.

Physical Methods of Sterilization Services

Heat Sterilization

Heat Sterilization Services is one of the oldest and most commonly used sterilization techniques. It utilizes exposure to high temperatures to destroy microorganisms. The most common heat sterilization methods include steam sterilization or autoclaving, hot air sterilization, and dry heat sterilization. Autoclaving uses pressurized steam to achieve temperatures upwards of 121°C which allows water in steam form to penetrate even the smallest areas on equipment and ensure complete sterilization. Hot air ovens subject equipment to temperatures between 160-180°C for 1-2 hours to achieve sterilization through dry heat alone. Both methods are effective in eliminating all microbial forms including bacterial endospores which are highly resistant to heat.

Irradiation

Irradiation uses ionizing radiation like gamma rays, X-rays, or electron beams to sterilize equipment and kill microorganisms. Cobalt-60 is a very common radioactive source used to generate gamma rays for sterilization purposes in gamma chambers. Radiation produces highly reactive ions and radicals within bacteria and other microbes which disrupts their DNA and RNA molecules preventing replication. A dose of 25kGy is sufficient to kill all forms of microbial life including spores. Irradiation is a cold sterilization process and does not leave any residues. However, it requires expensive equipment and poses radiation hazards if not performed properly.

Filtration

Filtration is not a true sterilization method, but is often used as a complement to other techniques. It is effective to sterilize heat- or radiation-sensitive liquid products by passing them through fine-pore-sized filters which remove all particles and microorganisms based on their size. Membrane filters with pore sizes of 0.2um or below can remove all bacteria. When combined with aseptic filling, filtration offers a reliable method for sterile processing of pharmaceuticals.

Chemical Methods of Sterilization Services

Ethylene Oxide Sterilization

Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a common gaseous sterilant widely used for heat-sensitive medical devices and pharmaceutical products. EtO achieves sterilization by alkylating the DNA and RNA of microorganisms preventing their reproduction. Sterilization using EtO gas involves three stages - preconditioning, exposure, and aeration. During exposure, products are placed in gas-tight chambers and subjected to ethylene oxide gas at 50-70°C and 50-70% relative humidity for 2-8 hours depending on the bioburden levels and achieved sterility assurance level. After exposure, aeration removes any residual EtO and its reactive by-products before product release. While effective against all microbes including prions, EtO is highly flammable and poses toxicity risks if not handled properly.

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