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Which of these is an agent that is used to sterilize the plastic tubing of heart-lung machines?

1) Phenol
2) Mercaptoethanol
3) Ethylene oxide
4) 70

User Mkuff
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Ethylene oxide is the agent used for sterilizing the plastic tubing of heart-lung machines, suitable for cold sterilization of heat-sensitive equipment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The agent used to sterilize the plastic tubing of heart-lung machines is ethylene oxide. Ethylene oxide is a gas sterilant and an alkylating agent recognized for its ability to penetrate and sterilize items that are in plastic packaging, such as medical equipment and devices used in heart-lung machines.

Due to its characteristics, ethylene oxide is ideal for cold sterilization, which is essential for heat-sensitive equipment. Despite its effectiveness, it requires careful handling because it is both highly explosive and carcinogenic.

User Rashi Goyal
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