What are the different types of sterilizers?

Types of Sterilizers & Their Real-World Uses

1. Steam Sterilizers (Autoclaves)
How: Superheated steam under high pressure (like a pressure cooker on steroids).
Kills with: Moist heat penetration.
Used for:
Reusable surgical tools (scalpels, forceps).
Lab glassware, dental instruments.
Medical waste decontamination.
Avoid: Plastics that melt, oils, or electronics.

2. Dry Heat Sterilizers
How: Baking items in high-temp ovens (no moisture).
Kills with: Slow, intense heat.
Used for:
Metal tools prone to rust (drill bits, needles).
Powders, ointments, or items steam can’t penetrate. can’t penetrate.
Sharp instruments needing edge preservation.
Avoid: Plastic, rubber, fabrics.

3. Ethylene Oxide (EtO) Gas Sterilizers
How: Sealed chambers pumping toxic gas.
Kills with: Chemical reaction.
Used for:
Heat-sensitive plastics (endoscopes, IV bags).
Electronics (surgical cameras, sensors).
Disposable items in sealed packaging.
Avoid: Porous items absorbing gas; requires 12+ hours of aeration.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide Plasma Sterilizers
How: Gas plasma + vaporized hydrogen peroxide.
Kills with: Reactive ions.
Used for:
Delicate robotics (laparoscopic tools).
Implants, lenses, fiber-optic devices.
Tools damaged by steam or EtO.
Avoid: Liquids, powders, cellulose (paper/linen).

5. Radiation Sterilizers
Gamma Ray Units:
Industrial-scale cobalt-60 radiation.
Used for: Pre-packaged single-use items (syringes, sutures, gloves).
UV-C Sterilizers:
Ultraviolet light chambers/wands.
Used for: Surface-only disinfection (phone screens, countertops) – not true sterilization.

6. Formaldehyde Steam Sterilizers
How: Low-temp steam + formaldehyde gas.
Used for: Heat-sensitive equipment in outdated facilities (less common now).