Aeration of respiratory therapy items--are you really aerating?

Ethylene oxide vapor (EtO) may be contained inside sterlized packages, even after many hours of aeration if the items are not properly prepared. First, the items must be disassembled. Second, the items must be aerated for the minimum length of time specified by the product manufacturer, including those items specified for the types of packaging material used. This article presents results of testing respiratory therapy items for residual EtO, and makes recommendations for effective aeration.