Gamma Vs Ethylene Oxide Sterilisation | Which is the Best Choice?

Sterilization is the essential practice in every experiment and research process.  But there are different tools to properly sterilize the tools, so how can we know which one is the best choice between Gamma Vs Ethylene Oxide Sterilisation? How do these two processes work in medical fields? What are their properties? To overcome all these queries, let's look into the following details. 

Gamma Vs Ethylene Oxide Sterilisation: Which is Better?

Gamma vs ethylene oxide sterilisation are two different methods used to sterilize medical devices. Gamma sterilization involves using high-energy gamma rays to kill microorganisms on the devices. It is a powerful and effective method, suitable for a wide range of materials.

On the other hand, Ethylene Oxide Sterilisation uses a gas called ethylene oxide to kill bacteria and other harmful organisms. It is commonly used for heat-sensitive devices that may be damaged by other sterilization methods.

Both Gamma and Ethylene Oxide Sterilisation methods have their advantages and are utilized depending on the specific requirements of the medical device to be sterilized.

What Are the Standard Protocols Followed by Gamma Sterilisation?

When it comes to gamma sterilization, the exact protocols are measured in the workspace to ensure the effectiveness and safety of workers. These protocols include:

1-Pre-Sterilization

Before undergoing gamma sterilization, medical devices are carefully cleaned and prepared to remove any dirt or contaminants. This step ensures a clean starting point for the sterilization process, enhancing its effectiveness.

2-Dosimetry

Dosimeters, small devices that measure radiation levels, are strategically placed on medical devices. They help determine the precise amount of gamma radiation the devices will receive during sterilization, ensuring that it is neither too much nor too little.

3-Irradiation

The devices are exposed to controlled gamma radiation emitted from a specialized radioactive source. This radiation penetrates the devices, effectively destroying harmful microorganisms and ensuring their sterility.

4-Validation

To ensure the sterilization process is consistently effective, regular validation tests are conducted. Samples are periodically taken and analyzed to confirm that the sterilization procedure meets the required standards of sterility assurance.

5-Documentation

Accurate and detailed records of the entire sterilization process are maintained. This includes information about dosimetry readings, validation results, and any other relevant data. Documentation serves as proof of compliance, ensuring quality control and regulatory requirements are met.

By strictly following these protocols, gamma sterilization ensures that medical devices are thoroughly sterilized, meeting the highest standards of safety and quality in healthcare settings.

On Which Medical Devices Gamma Sterilisation Works? 

Gamma sterilization is a widely used method for sterilizing various types of medical devices. Its versatility allows it to effectively sterilize a wide range of materials commonly found in medical settings.

• Gamma sterilization is suitable for devices made from materials such as metal, glass, plastic, rubber, and even some complex electronic components. It can be applied to both single-use and reusable medical devices, ensuring their safety and sterility.
• Common medical devices that undergo gamma sterilization include surgical instruments, implants (such as orthopedic implants and cardiovascular devices), catheters, syringes, medical tubing, wound dressings, and various types of packaging materials used to store and transport medical products.

Gamma Sterilization Advantages

• The advantages of gamma sterilization lie in its ability to penetrate deeply into the materials being sterilized, effectively destroying bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. It does not leave any toxic residues, making it safe for use on medical devices that come into direct contact with the human body.
• Moreover, gamma sterilization does not require the use of heat or moisture, making it suitable for sensitive materials that may be damaged by other sterilization methods. It is a reliable and time-efficient process, ensuring high-volume production and quick turnaround times for medical device manufacturers.
• Laboratory Chemicals may be used in conjunction with gamma radiation or gamma irradiation processes. For example, radiation-sensitive dosimeters or indicators may be employed to measure the dose of gamma radiation received during experiments or sterilization procedures. These lab chemicals help ensure accurate and controlled exposure levels.

Standard Protocols for Ethylene Oxide Sterilisation

There are proper protocols for Ethylene Oxide Sterilization that one should need to follow while starting the sterilization process. After successfully cleaning the device, there are other protocols to follow.

1-Gas Exposure

The medical devices are placed in a specialized chamber where they are exposed to ethylene oxide gas. This gas effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms present on the devices.

2-Contact Time

The devices are kept in contact with the ethylene oxide gas for a specific duration, ensuring that enough time is given for the sterilization process to be effective.

3-Aeration

After the gas exposure, the devices undergo aeration, allowing the ethylene oxide gas to dissipate and leave the devices. This step is crucial to ensure the removal of any remaining gas residues.

How does the radiation sterilization process work?

Radiation sterilization is a process that uses high-energy radiation to kill harmful microorganisms on medical devices and other products. The most commonly used radiation sources for sterilization are gamma rays and electron beams.

• During the process, the medical devices are exposed to the radiation source in a controlled environment. The radiation penetrates the devices and damages the DNA and proteins of the microorganisms, rendering them unable to reproduce or cause infection.
• The duration of exposure to radiation is carefully calculated to ensure that enough radiation is delivered to kill the microorganisms while minimizing any potential damage to the device itself.

Both, Gamma vs Ethylene Oxide Sterilisation, are an efficient method for cleaning medical tools and devices. Moreover, scientific equipment supplier ensure that laboratories and medical facilities can acquire the necessary equipment and expertise to perform these sterilizations reliably. Explore our online collection of laboratory equipment and tools online at Westlab Canada. Visit our online store and place your order now!