The advantage of using ethylene oxide as a sterilant over moist heat sterilization in an autoclave is that ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ethylene oxide can be used to sterilize plastics that would melt in an autoclave, whereas moist heat sterilization in an autoclave requires high temperatures and pressure that may damage or melt certain types of plastic materials. While ethylene oxide also kills endospores, this alone is not the reason to preferentially use it over autoclaving. Safety considerations are also important, but it is not necessarily safer to work with ethylene oxide than with an autoclave, as both methods require proper handling and safety precautions.

The Advantage of Using Ethylene Oxide as a Sterilant Over