Technology Comparison
In addition to sterilization, gamma irradiation is used for accelerated aging and materials modification and provides complete penetration of the target materials. For more details, please view our TechTeam’s gamma sterilization resources page.
Gamma Sterilization Technology vs. Ethylene Oxide (EO) Sterilization
The following table compares gamma radiation processing with ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization. Compare the details below to determine if gamma is the right technology solution for your product sterilization needs.
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Gamma
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Ethylene Oxide
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Process Type
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Continuous
Batch
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Batch
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Process Phases
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Exposure
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Pre-conditioning
Exposure
Aeration
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Process Description
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Radioisotope-generated gamma rays
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Humidity, low-temperature, gaseous process
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Total Processing Time
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Hours: time varies based on dose requirements
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Hours: time varies based on product material
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Product Release
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Dosimetric
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Biological indicators or Parametric release
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Penetration
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Complete
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Complete
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Material Compatibility
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Most materials
Plastics need to be evaluated
Avoid acetyls, Teflon® and polypropylene
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Nearly all materials
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Product Handling
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Aluminum carriers/totes with product placed in pre-determined loading pattern
Off-carrier processing
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Traditional processing: pallets are transferred between stages via fork truck or conveyor system
EOExpress® processing: entire process takes place in the sterilization chamber
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Residuals
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None
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Ethylene oxide and ethylene chlorohydrin
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Uses
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Sterilization, accelerated aging and materials modification
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Sterilization
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Maintaining Sterile Claim
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Quarterly dose audits
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Validation must be performed at least once every two years with traditional processing, and at least once a year when using parametric release
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Teflon® is a registered trademark of DuPont.