Methyl Bromide as an Aid to Ethylene Oxide Sterilization
Abstract
The sporicidal activity of ethylene oxide (EtO), methyl bromide (MeBr), and a mixture of EtO and MeBr was determined against B. subtilis var. niger spores on cloth patches either uncovered or sealed within polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride plastic. No difference in activity between the mixture and EtO alone was observed against spores on cloth not protected by plastic. However, the mixture was (1) measurably more effective than EtO alone against spores sealed within polyvinyl chloride and (2) possibly slightly more effective against spores sealed in polyethylene. The bactericidal activity of MeBr alone was considerably less than that of EtO alone, and the individual activity of both was curtailed by the plastics. MeBr apparently does not have a synergistic effect upon the rate of EtO sterilization, but rather promotes the rate of EtO penetration, at least through some plastics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0850347
Entities
People
- David R. Spiner
- Dorothy M. Portner
- Robert K. Hoffman