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EtO-compatible materials for catheters and tubing
Ethylene oxide is the usual sterilization method for catheters, extension sets and other tubing-based devices. It runs at low temperature, the gas penetrates packaging and long or narrow lumens, and most polymers used in tubing tolerate it chemically. That makes it the default for heat-sensitive materials such as TPU and PEBA, and for assemblies with adhesives, coatings or electronics that radiation or steam would damage.
What to watch with EtO
- Residuals. EtO and its by-product ethylene chlorohydrin must be reduced below the limits in ISO 10993-7. Soft, thick-walled and highly absorbent materials generally need longer aeration, so material choice affects cycle time.
- Heat and humidity. The cycle includes humidified preconditioning at moderately elevated temperature. Low-softening materials and tight-tolerance assemblies can relax or shift.
- Validation. The process is validated per ISO 11135. Long, narrow or blind lumens are typically the hardest locations to sterilize and to aerate.
- Supply and regulation. EtO emissions are increasingly regulated, so some teams also qualify a radiation option. Many tubing materials below state gamma compatibility too.
121 catheter and tubing-family grades with EtO compatibility stated
Families included: TPU (all chemistries: aromatic*, aliphatic, not stated), PEBA, PA12, PVC, polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE, plastomer), silicone and LSR, and TPE tubing compounds. Rigid TPU, which is used for connectors and housings, is left out (*the aromatic TPU group page includes it).
17 grades in the same families with no EtO statement in the source
This includes every PVC and most silicone grades in MedResin. Blank means the cited source doesn't mention EtO; it is not a "no". Ask the supplier.
| Grade | Maker | Family | EtO | Gamma |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APEX 32043RV-NT1 | Teknor Apex | PVC | ✔ | |
| APEX 33043RV-NT1 | Teknor Apex | PVC | ✔ | |
| Bormed HE2581-PH | Borealis | HDPE | ||
| Bormed HE7541-PH | Borealis | HDPE | ||
| Bormed HE9621-PH | Borealis | HDPE | ||
| Marlex 9012 | Chevron Phillips Chemical | HDPE | ||
| Marlex 9018 | Chevron Phillips Chemical | HDPE | ||
| Bormed LE6600-PH | Borealis | LDPE | ||
| Bormed LE6607-PH | Borealis | LDPE | ||
| Bormed LE6609-PH | Borealis | LDPE | ||
| Bormed PL8830-PH | Borealis | Plastomer | ||
| SILPURAN 6000/10 A/B | Wacker | LSR | ||
| SILPURAN 6000/30 A/B | Wacker | LSR | ||
| SILPURAN 6000/50 A/B | Wacker | LSR | ||
| SILPURAN 6000/60 A/B | Wacker | LSR | ||
| NuSil MED-4950 | NuSil (Avantor) | Silicone | ||
| NuSil MED-6015 | NuSil (Avantor) | Silicone |
EtO statements by polymer group (these families only)
Group names and counts link to the matching grade lists.
See also: all EtO-compatible grades · Choosing a TPU for medical tubing · PEBA grades
Grade data last checked 2026-10-16. Blank cells mean not stated by the source. Each grade page cites its source. About the data · Suggest a correction
More guides: Which medical plastics survive gamma sterilization? · Autoclave-safe resins compared · USP Class VI vs ISO 10993 · Choosing a TPU for medical tubing · All guides
Overview of every polymer group: Medical-grade plastics: grades by polymer and sterilization