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How to Troubleshoot Ethylene Sterilization

An Ethylene oxide sterilizer uses ethylene oxide to eliminate microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. The device is used only to sterilize objects that are both heat- and moisture-sensitive; therefore, it is important to monitor certain environmental factors such as temperature and humidity in the surrounding area where the sterilizer is located. This decreases problems with the device and avoids the need for troubleshooting. There are other issues that can arise with the sterilizer and each manufacturer provides a troubleshooting manual with the device. There are, however, some basic troubleshooting techniques.

Things You'll Need

Ethylene oxide sterilizer
User manual

Instructions

Troubleshoot Ethylene Oxide Sterilizer
- 1
  Make sure the device is installed properly. The manual for each type of ethylene oxide sterilizer provides a detailed description on the specific installation of the sterilizer. Refer to the temperature and humidity directions and make sure the room is at the specific temperature and humidity range needed for the device.
- 2
  Look for the exhaust port on the device. Ensure that the exhaust port is properly vented as specified in the manual. Do not open the sterilizer during the sterilization process. Most sterilizers will indicate when the sterilization cycle is complete.
- 3
  Run a self-test on the ethylene oxide sterilizer before conducting a sterilization cycle to determine if there is a failure with the vent sensor, purge sensor, pressure sensor, vent pump, purge pump, cooling fan or abator. Replace any sensor that receives a "Failure" message. If there is a pump failure, the tubing within the pump or the actual pump needs to be replaced.
- 4
  Run the cycle and listen for any type of alarm on the device during the sterilization cycle, if it is equipped with an alarm. The alarm pinpoints if there is a problem with the ventilation pump, purge pump or abator.
- 5
  Run the ethylene oxide sterilizer and look for an "Error" message during the sterilization cycle. The message indicates a malfunction in the vent pump, purge pump or door. Ensure the door is properly closed. Analyze the repair the vent pump or purge pump before beginning another sterilization cycle, depending on which pump received the "Error" message.

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