What type of cleaning solution is most commonly used for sterilization of instruments?

Ethylene oxide is a gas commonly used for sterilization, particularly in health care settings for non-heat-stable instruments and materials. It effectively penetrates packaging and is capable of killing a wide variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and spores. Ethylene oxide works by interacting with the cellular components of microorganisms, leading to their inactivation.

This method of sterilization is advantageous because it operates at low temperatures, making it suitable for items that cannot withstand heat from steam or dry heat sterilization methods. The use of ethylene oxide allows for thorough sterilization without damaging delicate instruments or materials, which is crucial in sterile processing environments.

In contrast, while hydrogen peroxide is also a disinfectant with some sterilizing capabilities under specific conditions, it does not have the broad spectrum of efficacy in a gaseous form as ethylene oxide does. Chlorine bleach is primarily a disinfectant rather than a sterilant and can cause corrosion or damage to instruments, making it unsuitable for sterilization purposes. Quaternary ammonium compounds are primarily surface disinfectants and do not have the potency needed for true sterilization. Therefore, ethylene oxide remains the most commonly utilized cleaning solution for sterilization in many sterile processing environments.