Sterilized using ethylene oxide (STERILE EO)
The standard’s wording, as the sources below reproduce it:
“Indicates a medical device that has been sterilized using ethylene oxide.”
ISO 15223-1:2021, 5.2.3 · ISO 7000-2501
What it means for you
The device was sterilised with ethylene oxide gas, a low-temperature method used for plastics and electronics that heat would damage.
Whether a device is right for you is a question for your pharmacist, nurse or doctor.
- What it looks like
- A STERILE box with an extra cell holding the letters EO.
- Where you see it
- Catheters, tubing sets, many plastic single-use devices and procedure kits.
- Other names
- STERILE EO; EtO sterilised; ethylene oxide
What it does not tell you
It does not say anything about residues or suitability for you; it names the method only. It also does not mean you can sterilise the item again.
Often confused with
Indicates a medical device that has been sterilized using irradiation.
More symbols in “The word STERILE”
Sources
ISO 15223-1 is a paid standard, so the wording above is quoted as 3 publishers’ public documents reproduce it. Each was fetched and read on the date shown:
- Boston Scientific: Symbols Glossary — ISO 15223-1 5.2.3 “Sterilized using ethylene oxide — Indicates a medical device that has been sterilized using ethylene oxide.” Image labelled ISO 7000-2501. Checked 2026-09-25.
- NE Scientific: Master Symbol Glossary (CTF-100011 Rev 01) — Shows the STERILE | EO box for reference no. 5.2.3 (ISO 7000-2501). Checked 2026-09-25.
- Cook Medical: Glossary of standard symbols — ISO 15223-1 5.2.3 “Sterilized using ethylene oxide — Indicates a medical device that has been sterilized using ethylene oxide.” Checked 2026-09-25.
Plain-language parts are in our own words; quotations are the sources’ wording.