Biomaterial Database

Converting to gamma-radiation sterilization: an overview for medical device manufacturers. 1993

R M Brinston, and B K Wilson

Nordion International Inc., Kanata, Ontario, Canada.

Gamma radiation is becoming increasingly popular as a method of sterilizing disposable medical devices. The conversion from ethylene oxide sterilization to gamma radiation may involve redesigning products and packaging, and establishing a new method of sterilization. However, the conversion process can be regarded as an opportunity to enhance product design, improve processes, and reduce costs. In this article, the authors explain how conversion can be manageably achieved by providing a step-by-step conversion programme.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D010969	Plastics	Polymeric materials (usually organic) of large molecular weight which can be shaped by flow. Plastic usually refers to the final product with fillers, plasticizers, pigments, and stabilizers included (versus the resin, the homogeneous polymeric starting material). (McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 4th ed)	Plastic
D004864	Equipment and Supplies	Expendable and nonexpendable equipment, supplies, apparatus, and instruments that are used in diagnostic, surgical, therapeutic, scientific, and experimental procedures.	Apparatus and Instruments,Devices,Medical Devices,Device, Medical,Devices, Medical,Equipment,Inventories,Medical Device,Supplies,Device,Instruments and Apparatus,Inventory,Supplies and Equipment
D004866	Equipment Contamination	The presence of an infectious agent on instruments, prostheses, or other inanimate articles.	Contamination, Equipment,Contaminations, Equipment,Equipment Contaminations
D004867	Equipment Design	Methods and patterns of fabricating machines and related hardware.	Design, Equipment,Device Design,Medical Device Design,Design, Medical Device,Designs, Medical Device,Device Design, Medical,Device Designs, Medical,Medical Device Designs,Design, Device,Designs, Device,Designs, Equipment,Device Designs,Equipment Designs
D005720	Gamma Rays	Penetrating, high-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted from atomic nuclei during NUCLEAR DECAY. The range of wavelengths of emitted radiation is between 0.1 - 100 pm which overlaps the shorter, more energetic hard X-RAYS wavelengths. The distinction between gamma rays and X-rays is based on their radiation source.	Gamma Wave,Gamma Radiation,Nuclear X-Rays,Radiation, Gamma,X-Rays, Nuclear,Gamma Radiations,Gamma Ray,Gamma Waves,Nuclear X Rays,Nuclear X-Ray,Ray, Gamma,Wave, Gamma,Waves, Gamma,X Rays, Nuclear,X-Ray, Nuclear
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D013242	Sterilization	The destroying of all forms of life, especially microorganisms, by heat, chemical, or other means.