Final answer:
The basic parameters of gas sterilization in a 100% EO sterilizer include concentration, exposure time, temperature, and humidity, with pressure playing a role in the effective distribution and penetration of the gas. These conditions must be optimized to achieve complete sterilization of all microorganisms, including hard-to-kill endospores.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basic parameters of gas sterilization in a 100% EO (ethylene oxide) sterilizer are concentration, exposure time, temperature, humidity, and pressure. While standard operating temperatures for autoclaves, which utilize moist heat, are typically 121 °C or 132 °C at pressures of 15 to 20 psi, gas sterilization with EO operates under different conditions. The concentration of the EO gas, the exposure time necessary to achieve sterility the temperature which can influence the efficacy of the gas and the humidity levels in the sterilization chamber are crucial for effective sterilization procedures. Pressure may also be a factor in ensuring the gas penetrates and sterilizes effectively, and whilst not explicitly listed in the question volume could be related considering it impacts how the gas distributes within the chamber. Gas sterilization is a chemical means to achieve complete sterilization aiming to destroy all vegetative cells, endospores, and viruses. Conditions such as temperature and humidity are adjusted to optimize the interaction between the gas and the microorganisms. Typically, higher temperatures and the correct humidity levels would enhance the effectiveness of EO gas leading to a successful sterilization process.