Abstract

THE PHARMACOECONOMIC VALUE OF THE ETHYLENE OXIDE STERILIZATION PROCESS IN THE HOSPITAL

A. Belhachmi*, B. EL Mostarchid, Z. Laanibi, M. Mabrouki and S. Derraji

Abstract

Introduction / Objectives: Sterilization with Ethylene Oxide involves removing microorganisms from reusable and heat-sensitive medical devices. The aim of our study is to estimate the degree of use of ethylene oxide as a sterilizing agent by hospitals and to highlight the benefit-risk balance of this process. Materials and methods: The questionnaire survey, the economic evaluation of medical devices and the bibliographic investigation were tools that enabled us to carry out this work. Results / Discussion: Of a sample of ten questionnaires distributed to hospitals, only 20% were exploitable. The rest (80%) declared that they had other techniques of sterilization of thermosensitive objects. The total price of the single-use medical devices selected was US $ 132814.08 (US $) while the price of sterilized medical devices for reuse was $ 24645.6. The bibliographic survey clearly revealed the toxicity of ethylene oxide for humans and animals. Conclusion: According to the results of our study, the risks are numerous but manageable in favor of the economic benefits resulting from the sterilization of medical devices by ethylene oxide.

Keywords: Sterilization, Ethylene Oxide, Safety, Risk, Cost.