Sterilization Methods

Introduction to Sterilization

The objective of sterilization is to prevent the introduction into the body of pathogenic organisms not normally present. Sterilization can be defined as "the removal or destruction of all living organisms, including resistant forms such as bacterial or fungal spores." Bacterial spores are most resistant to destruction, and if the sterilization is effective in eliminating bacterial spores then it can generally be assumed that all other pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms have been destroyed.

Disinfection

Disinfection is a lower grade of sterilization and involves only the destruction of pathogenic organisms in the vegetative (or non-sporing) state. It does not involve the destruction of spores. Sterilization is the only acceptable standard for surgical purposes although disinfection may well be suitable for other purposes.

Sterilization at Zeus

Zeus specializes in ultra-pure applications where the purest, sterilized product is a necessity. We excel at creating materials requiring sterilization, such as "in-vitro" applications.

Quality and cleanliness coupled with the ability to provide USP Class 7 certified materials for implant devices and the ability to inspect and package in Class 7 clean rooms, is the materials capabilities to be sterilized with the most widely accepted sterilization methods known to man.

Please see the table below to select the best material suited for your sterilization method of choice.
       
Resin
ETO
 Autoclave Gamma
 PTFE  Excellent  Average  Poor
 FEP  Excellent  Excellent  Good
 PFA  Excellent  Excellent  Poor
 ETFE  Excellent  Excellent  Good
 PVDF  Excellent  Excellent  Good
 PEEK  Excellent  Excellent  Excellent
 Polyethelyne  Excellent   Excellent  Good*

*High density grades not as stable as medium and low grades

Sterilization methods: ETO, Autoclave, and Gamma.

Request Samples and Tech Info

If you would like samples of our fluoropolymer or other engineered tubing, or would like to discuss a specific application, we'd like to talk with you. Zeus has a generous sample program, making it easier than ever for engineers and designers to get stock and custom samples quickly.

Need More Information?

Contact us now to evaluate samples of our extruded tubing or request a quote. To locate regional distributors, contact a technical account manager at 1.800.526.3842 or 1.803.268.9500.

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