Overview of Benchtop ETO Sterilisers
Benchtop ETO sterilisers provide a compact, low temperature sterilisation solution for clinics, veterinary practices and specialist facilities processing heat-sensitive medical devices. Operating at controlled temperatures, typically 54°C, ethylene oxide gas penetrates packaging, plastics and complex device lumens to achieve effective microbial inactivation. With integrated in-chamber aeration and controlled gas extraction, benchtop systems are designed to deliver safe, reliable and repeatable sterilisation within a space-efficient footprint.
Low Temperature Sterilisation
Integrated In-Chamber Aeration
Negative Pressure Safety System
Compact Benchtop Design
How ETO Sterilisation Works
Ethylene oxide sterilisation is a controlled, low temperature process designed for heat sensitive and complex medical devices.
The process includes:
Gas penetration
- Ethylene oxide penetrates packaging, plastics and narrow device lumens.
Microbial inactivation
- The gas disrupts microbial DNA and essential enzymes through alkylation, preventing replication and survival.
Low temperature operation
- Typically performed at 38°C or 54°C, making it suitable for materials that cannot tolerate steam or dry heat.
Controlled exposure phase
- The sterilisation cycle allows sufficient contact time for effective microbial inactivation.
Integrated aeration
- Residual gas is removed during the aeration phase to ensure safe handling after processing.
Who are Ethylene oxide sterilisers suited for?
Ethylene oxide sterilisers are particularly suited for facilities processing heat sensitive, moisture sensitive or complex medical devices that cannot withstand steam or dry heat sterilisation.
They are commonly used by:
- Hopsitals and clinical facilities processing delicate surgical and diagnostic equipment.
- Veterinary practices sterilising laparoscopic and specialist instruments.
- Endoscopy units requiring sterilisation of complex lumened devices.
- Medical device manufacturers producing packaged sterile products.
- Research and laboratory environments handling temperature sensitive materials.
ETO sterilisation is ideal where device complexibility, material compatibility and validated low temperature processing are critical requirements.
Veterinary sterilisers and medium-size load models
AX-60
Our smallest steriliser, designed to be used with small loads and our ARQ-11/AR-11 ethylene oxide sterilising ampoules/cartridges. This steriliser is perfect for fitting into tighter workspaces in small facilites.
- 60 Litre capacity
- Inner dimensions: 35 x 35 x 49 cm
- 200W
AX-135
Our most popular benchtop steriliser designed for smaller loads and our ARQ-20 sterilising ampoules. This cabinet is deeper than the AX-135 allowing the sterilisation of longer items.
- 135 Litre capacity
- Inner dimensions: 37 x 41 x 122cm
- 400W
AX-160
Our most popular benchtop steriliser designed for smaller loads and our ARQ-20 sterilising ampoules. This cabinet is deeper than the AX-135 allowing the sterilisation of longer items.
- 135 Litre capacity
- Inner dimensions: 37 x 41 x 122cm
- 400W
AX-200
The AX-200 has a similar footprint to the AX-160 however has an additional 40 litres of space within the cabinet allowing the simultaneous sterilisation of two loads. The adition of the 14.5cm touchscreen allows fast control of the steriliser and an ‘at-a-glance’ overview of the status of the two loads allowing for simpler operation.
- 200 Litre capacity
- Inner dimensions: 62 x 55 x 60 cm
- 350W
- Electronic door locking mechanism
- 14.5 cm Touchscreen control
Frequently Asked Questions
You can speak to one of our ETO specialists by contacting our team directly via phone or email. We’ll connect you with the right expert to discuss your requirements, answer any questions, and guide you on the most suitable sterilisation solution for your needs.
Aeration allows any remaining ethylene oxide gas to dissipate from the sterilised items. This step is essential to ensure the devices are safe to handle and use after sterilisation.
Regular maintenance and performance checks are important to ensure the equipment operates correctly. This may include routine servicing, calibration, and validation of sterilisation cycles.
Yes. Ethylene oxide gas can penetrate many packaging materials, allowing devices to be sterilised in their final packaging and even cartons, depending on the validated process. This helps maintain sterility until use . Unlike VHP sterlisation, no special pouch materials are typically required, and standard paper/film pouches similar to those used in autoclaves can often be used.
Every facility is different, but ETO systems can often be implemented more easily than expected. If you let us know more about your facility layout and available space, our team can advise on how ETO can be used safely and what measures may need to be put in place to support compliance and safe operation.
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