Gamma Irradiation
Gamma combines good penetration, which ensures the sterilization of a wide variety of medical devices, with differing densities, and has the ability to construct and operate a safe facility. Gamma sterilization is widely used for sterilizing medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and food products. This method entails exposing items to gamma rays from radioactive isotopes like cobalt-60 or cesium-137, which disrupt microorganisms' DNA, preventing their reproduction. Known for its deep material penetration, gamma sterilization is efficient, reliable, and cost-effective, especially when heat or chemical sterilization is unsuitable. However, strict adherence to safety guidelines is essential due to potential hazards linked to radioactive materials.
How Is Gamma Sterilization Performed?
Gamma is primarily chosen as it can disinfect plastic components and other heat-sensitive materials with a typical sterilization dose of 25kGy.
How Is Gamma Sterilization Performed?
Gamma irradiation sterilization is performed by exposing the product to a radiation source, typically Cobalt 60 isotope, which decomposes into Nickel 60 isotope, firing off gamma rays in the process.
Why Is Gamma Used?
Gamma is primarily chosen as it can disinfect plastic components and other heat-sensitive materials with a typical sterilization dose of 25kGy.
Is Gamma Sterilization Dangerous?
During sterilization, gamma rays efficiently eliminate microorganisms from the medical devices and tissue allografts, but also significantly change molecular structure of irradiated products, particularly fragile biologics such as cytokines, chemokines and growth factors
What Dictates If EO Sterilization Can Be Used?
Devices with complex pathways and lumens are suitable for gamma sterilization as the rays will penetrate all materials
What does of Gamma Radiation Is Utilized For Sterilization?
Large or bulky metal instruments will require added controls to ensure effective sterilization, and not all plastics are compatible with gamma - some become discolored or brittle after processing; the reaction is dose-dependent.