Residual ethylene oxide: levels in medical grade tubing and effects on an in vitro biologic system.
The level of residual ethylene oxide after sterilization was evaluated as a function of aeration time for three medical grade tubings. Toxicity resulting from residual ethylene oxide was determined in an in vitro tissue culture system utilizing L-cells. The absorption and desorption of ethylene oxide from poly(vinyl chloride) and polyether-polyurethane tubing were similar. In contrast, silicone tubing absorbed 85% less ethylene oxide. The time required for desorption of residual ethylene oxide was 2 hr for silicone tubing and 7 to 8 hr for poly(vinyl chloride) and polyether-polyurethane tubing. Tubing samples containing 1,500 ppm or more residual ethylene oxide elicited toxic tissue culture reactions whereas samples containing 900 ppm or less showed no toxic tissue culture response.
D005027:Ethylene Oxide / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity; D007440:Intubation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000032:analysis; D011143:Polyvinyl Chloride / Q000032:analysis; D012826:Silicone Elastomers / Q000032:analysis
D011140:Polyurethanes; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D011143:Polyvinyl Chloride; D005027:Ethylene Oxide