Säteilytyssterilisaatio

Säteilytyssterilisaatio refers to a sterilization method that uses ionizing radiation to kill microorganisms. This process is commonly employed for medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and certain food products. The radiation sources typically used are gamma rays from Cobalt-60 or Cesium-137, or electron beams generated by accelerators.

The effectiveness of säteilytyssterilisaatio relies on the ability of ionizing radiation to damage the DNA of microorganisms, preventing their replication and thus rendering them non-viable. The penetration power of gamma rays allows for the sterilization of products packaged in their final containers, while electron beams are more suitable for lower-density materials or surface sterilization.

Key advantages of säteilytyssterilisaatio include its high efficiency, ability to sterilize at ambient temperatures (thus suitable for heat-sensitive materials), and the fact that products can be terminally sterilized after packaging. It also offers a reliable and well-understood process with established international standards. However, it requires specialized facilities and careful handling of radioactive sources or high-energy equipment, and some materials may be susceptible to radiation-induced degradation. The process is closely monitored to ensure product sterility and safety.