Andersen Sterilizers founder, H.W. Andersen, M.D., designed and patented the first self-contained Biological Indicator (BI) in 1969. Long after his patent expired, his invention has become an industry in and of itself.
“EO sterilization has continued to advance since the ’60s and ’70s, and while there are still risks, updates to the delivery technology, EO’s materials compatibility, and penetration capabilities mean there are rewards to the modality that you should consider,” said Seth Hendee of Healthmark Industries, Inc. in his article Ethylene Oxide Risk vs Reward.
Every month, Andersen’s Ted May will explore topics like safety, history, emissions and even molecular science related to medical device gas sterilization. These articles are published as part of Beyond Clean’s “Expert Series”—articles written by medical experts tackling some of the most pressing issues facing Sterile Processing departments. Beyond Clean is the global voice for sterile processing, connecting individuals…
Andersen Sterilizers is pleased to announce its president and CEO, A.E. “Ted” May, has been appointed to a three-year term as Co-Chair of the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) Hospital Ethylene Oxide (EO) Sterilizer Working Group. May’s term begins September 2021.
Is ethylene oxide (EO or EtO) more toxic than hydrogen peroxide? What are the most prevalent myths about EO in the industry today? What does the future of EO look like? Andersen’s President and CEO, A.E. (Ted) May joined Beyond Clean’s Justin Poulin for an intensely honest conversation about gas sterilization. In typical Beyond Clean fashion, Poulin asked the tough questions regarding the history surrounding EO and its role in the future of hospital sterile processing departments, specifically around duodenoscope and endoscope reprocessing.
Andersen’s EOGas 4 has received FDA 510(k) clearance for the only terminal sterilization solution for duodenoscopes and colonoscopes. With this clearance, the EOGas 4 sterilization system reflects the FDA’s latest validation expectations for terminal sterilization of lumened devices, including those with elevator mechanisms.
Directly following the premiere of Andersen’s “Beyond the Tour” episode, our sterilization experts & the Beyond Clean team participated in a live Q&A session with viewers.
Some of the questions addressed were:
-Isn’t EO more dangerous than other sterilization systems?
-I thought ethylene oxide was going to be banned.
-Are you suggesting ethylene oxide will replace hydrogen peroxide?
Read the highlights of the Q & A or watch the entire conversation.