Ethylene Oxide is considered the most universal sterilant. It may be used for sterilization most medical devices. Materials that are heat and moisture sensitive, or sensitive to the chemical used in other sterilants, often have no issue with Ethylene Oxide. It is the second most common sterilization process in medical applications, due to this effectiveness.

Tempilinks® are most commonly used in producing Type 1 indicators. They may also be used as elements to help create Type 3, Type 4, and Type 5 indicators.