Anprolene EtO sterilization: Frequently Asked Questions

Questions:

How does the Anprolene Sterilizer work?

What can be sterilized in an Anprolene sterilizer?

How long is the sterilization cycle?

What is the cycle cost?

What do we need to install the Anprolene Sterilizer?

Where is the best place to install the sterilize

Do I need to have a dedicated exhaust for the Anprolene Sterilizer?

Can I use it under a vent hood?

How long can the vent hose be run to reach the outside of the building?

How can personnel exposure to ethylene oxide be measured? When is the best time to monitor? I run my sterilizer at night!

What sterility assurance controls are available?

Technical bulletin:

Subject: Low Temp Warning screen; Affected sterilizers: AN74i, AN74ix, AN74j, AN2000

Answers:

How does the Anprolene Sterilizer work?
Sterilization takes place inside of the sterilization liner bag using unique gas diffusion technology. The sterilization cabinet is programmed to time the vacuum and ventilation drawing off gas released during the sterilization cycle and automatically purges the sterilization liner bag at the end of the cycle. The cabinet protects the sterilization liner bag from spark and in general. ...top>

What can be sterilized in an Anprolene sterilizer?
Anything, except food, drugs, and liquids. As long as the gas has a free and unobstructed path to all surfaces of the instrument, it can be sterilized. ...top>

How long is the sterilization cycle?
The usual cycle is 14-hours (12 hours with a two hour purge). Aeration of any gas-absorbent items, such as plastic or rubber that will contact tissue, needs an additional 24-hours at room temperature. This is to prevent the gas from causing a contact chemical burn. ...top>

What is the cycle cost?
About $12 for the AN79 large Anprolene ampoule (20cc) and 35 liter sterilization liner bag. The small (5cc) ampoule is about $8 for the 7-liter sterilization liner bag. ...top>

What do we need to install the Anprolene Sterilizer?
A one-inch exhaust port and a 110V non-switchable outlet. Everything else is included with the starter kit. ...top>

Where is the best place to install the sterilizer?
Any area that can be maintained at 68oF for the full 14-hour sterilization cycle, and away from any source of spark or flame. ...top>

Do I need to have a dedicated exhaust for the Anprolene Sterilizer?
Yes. ...top>

Can I use it under a vent hood?
Yes. The exhaust of a ventilated Sterilizer may be routed through a vent hood if it is a dedicated exhaust type. ...top>

How long can the vent hose be run to reach the outside of the building?
Up to 100 feet. The sterilizer is supplied with an 8-foot length of hose. ...top>

How can personnel exposure to ethylene oxide be measured? When is the best time to monitor? I run my sterilizer at night!
With the AirScan® Monitoring System. The Permissible Exposure Level (PEL) of exposure for any 8-hour day is 1 part per million (ppm) and the “action” level is 0.5 ppm. There is a Short Term Exposure Level (STEL) allowable for a 15-minute period that OSHA has set at 5.0 ppm, for example while unloading the sterilizer. The day you are unloading the sterilizer since that is when the most gas will have accumulated. Start another cycle some time that day while wearing the 8-hour badge to find out the optimum exposure you might ever encounter while using Anprolene. ...top>

What sterility assurance controls are available?
Monitoring efficacy of each cycle can be done with the AN87 Dosimeter® which is a chemical integrator designed to change color in proportion to the time, temperature, humidity and concentration of gas in the sterilization liner bag. The periodic use of a biological indicator, AN80 Steritest® should be used to challenge and confirm the process. AN85 Exposure Indicators, and AN86 Package Closure Indicator Tape (color change) only indicate exposure, not sterility, answering the question, should it be sterilized (yellow) or stored (blue). ...top>