Gamma Sterilization and Irradiator Control Systems
Gamma radiation is a high energy electromagnetic emission which can be harnessed from the natural decay of radioactive nuclei (such as Cobalt-60).
Due to their high frequency/energy and high penetrating properties, gamma rays are often used for sterilization purposes in a process referred to as irradiation.
Objects on which gamma rays impinge do not remain radioactive. In fact, at normal doses of gamma radiation emitted by a Cobalt-60 source, no danger
of radioactivity or toxicity is present after the irradiation process is complete. Further still, gamma radiation is an ideal option for sterilizing
heat-sensitive equipment as it does not notably increase the temperature of the materials it irradiates.
Photo Courtesy of LEONI Studer Hard
Perhaps the most notable feature of gamma sterilization is its environmentally friendly, non-polluting and safe process. Since products can be
irradiated after being packaged, they remain sterile as long as the original packaging is present. Some of the typical products sterilized by gamma
radiation are [source: Shriram Institute of Industrial Research http://www.shriraminstitute.org/gamma-radiation.html]:
- Surgical Disposables: surgical sutures, bandages, dressings, gauge pads, nappies, delivery kits
- Metallic Products: surgical blades, needles, implants, aluminum caps, containers
- Plastic and Rubber Items: Petri-dishes, centrifuge tubes, blood collection sets, scalp vein sets, shunt valves, rubber gloves,
contraceptive devices, gowns, wraps, covers, sheets
- Pharmaceuticals: silver sulphadiazene cream, gelatin capsules, bentonite charcoal, ergot powder, absorbable gelatin, ophthalmic
preparations in paraffin base and oil base, skin ointment in polyethylene glycol base
- Ayurvedic: raw materials, herbs, medicines, granules
- Spices: whole and in processed form
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