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Sterilization of Syringes by Ethylene Oxide
Author(s) -
Rubbo S. D.,
Gardner Joan F.
Publication year - 1968
Publication title -
journal of applied bacteriology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.889
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1365-2672
pISSN - 0021-8847
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2672.1968.tb00354.x
Subject(s) - syringe , sterilization (economics) , plunger , ethylene oxide , barrel (horology) , materials science , contamination , natural rubber , waste management , radiochemistry , chemistry , composite material , mechanical engineering , engineering , biology , polymer , copolymer , foreign exchange market , ecology , monetary economics , economics , foreign exchange
SUMMARY Three types of disposable syringe, all known to be sterilized commercially by ethylene oxide, were contaminated with Bacillus subtilis spores at the most inaccessible site, between plunger and barrel, and processed under controlled conditions. The rate of failure in sterilization was related to the syringe design as well as to the number of spores initially present. Rubber tippe plungers forming a double edge contact with the barrel failed to a degree that varied with the thickness of the contacting edges and the tightness of fit in the barrel. Although ethylene oxide may be used if initial contamination is low, gamma radiation would be more reliable for this type of syringe.