Which sterilization process is considered the gold standard of sterilization because of its good material compatibility?

Ethylene Oxide (EtO) sterilization is regarded as the gold standard of sterilization due to its compatibility with a wide range of materials. This attribute makes it particularly useful for sterilizing heat-sensitive items that cannot withstand high temperatures, such as certain plastics and electronic components.

EtO operates at low temperatures and utilizes the gas to penetrate packages and devices, effectively killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Its ability to sterilize complex devices with lumens and crevices ensures that all surfaces, including those difficult-to-reach areas, are effectively treated. Additionally, the process can be conducted in a variety of environments, allowing flexibility in different healthcare settings.

While steam sterilization is highly effective and used commonly for many surgical instruments, it cannot be used with items that are moisture-sensitive or with materials that could be damaged by high heat. Similarly, low-temperature gas plasma (LTGP) and low-temperature hydrogen peroxide (LTHP) methods, while beneficial for certain applications, do not have the same broad compatibility and effectiveness across various materials as EtO does. Hence, EtO's combination of efficacy and material compatibility solidifies its status as the gold standard in sterilization processes.