The sterilization of anesthesia equipment by ethylene oxide.

IN some hospitals very little consideration is given to the cleanliness and sterility of anesthesia equipment, especially the parts that come into contact with the respiratory system. Crossinfection is possible by way of tubes and valves. Droplets of water remaining in the corrugations of wide-bore rubber tubing may harbor pathogenic bacteria, which may thus be transmitted to another patient. It is for this reason that a carefully supervised plan of complete cleaning and sterilization of anesthesia equipment should be adopted and followed by every anesthesia department. This procedure should include all parts of the machine through which rebreathing takes place . . .