SterilizationQuestion 47 of 100
What are the byproducts of a hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization cycle, and what does this mean operationally?
a.Ethylene glycol and chlorohydrin, which require a long aeration phase
b.Formaldehyde and methanol, which require a chemical scrubber
c.Water vapor and oxygen, so no aeration period is required and items can be used immediately after the cycle
d.Ozone and nitrogen, which require ventilation of the room for one hour
Explanation
Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen, so there is no toxic residual and loads are available for immediate use, which is a major advantage over ethylene oxide. Ethylene glycol and ethylene chlorohydrin are ethylene oxide byproducts that drive its aeration requirement. Formaldehyde and ozone are separate sterilization agents, not plasma byproducts.
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