This survey presents, in simple terms, some theoretical and practical aspects of radiation sterilization of particular interest to the anaesthetist. Although radiation is linked emotionally with destruction, its lethal effects, particularly on micro-organisms, can be used to present to the anaesthetist a safe, practical product.
References
1.
ArtandiC., and van WinkleW. (1959): “Electron Beam Sterilization of Surgical Sutures”, Nucleonics, 17, 86.
2.
CharlesbyA. (1953): “Effect of High-energy Radiation on Long-chain Polymers”, Nature, 171, 167.
3.
ChristensenE. A., HolmN. W., and JuulF. A. (1967): “Radiosterilization of Medical Devices and Supplies”, I.A.E.A. Symposium on Radio-sterilization of Medical Products, 265.
4.
ColovosG. C., and ChurchillB. W. (1957): “The Electron Sterilization of Certain Pharmaceutical Preparations”, J. Amer. Pharm. Ass., 46, 580.
5.
ControulisJ., LawrenceC. A., and BrownellL. E. (1954): “The Effect of Gamma Radiation on Some Pharmaceutical Products”, J. Amer. Pharm. Ass., 43, 65.
6.
CookA. M., and BerryR. J. (1967): “Presterilization Bacterial Contamination on Disposable Hypodermic Syringes. Necessary Information for the Rational Choice of Dose for Radiation Sterilization”, I.A.E.A. Symposium on Radiosterilization of Medical Products, 295.
7.
DownesA., and BlountT. P. (1877): Proc. Roy. Soc., 28, 488. As quoted in “Microbiological Aspects of Radiation Sterilization”, BridgesB. A., Prog. Ind. Mic., 1964, V, 283.
8.
GunterS. E., and KohnH. I. (1956): “The Effect of X-rays on the Survival of Bacteria and Yeast”, J. Bact., 71, 571.
9.
HorneT. (1958): “Biochemical Applications of Large Radiation Sources, with Special Reference to Pharmaceutical Products”, Proc. 2nd U.N. Int. Conf. Peaceful Uses Atom. Ener., 26, 338.
10.
PowellD. B., and BridgesB. A. (1960): Sterilization by Radiation, A.E.R.E. Wantage Radiation Laboratory.
11.
RaineyH. B. (1968): “N.Z. Experience with a Co60 Sterilization Unit”, Isotop. Rad. Tech., 6.1, 93.
12.
RaineyH. B. (1971): “Cost of Radiation Sterilization”, T.V.L. Gamma Technical Bulletin, 2, 2.
13.
ReesD. J. (1968): Health Physics, Butterworths, London, 97.
14.
RubboS. D., and GardnerJ. F. (1968): “Sterilization of Syringes by Ethylene Oxide”, J. Appl. Bact., 31, 164.
15.
TallentireA. (1964): “Aspects of Radiation Microbiology Fundamental to the Sterilization Process”, I.A.E.A. Technical Report, Series 72, 2.
16.
van WinkleW.Jr., BorickP. M., and FogartyM. (1967): “Destruction of Radiation Resistant Micro-organism in Surgical Sutures by Co60 Irradiation under Manufacturing Conditions”, I.A.E.A. Symposium on Radiosterilization of Medical Products, 169.
17.
WyckoffR. W. (1930): “Resistance of Bacteria to Ionizing Radiation”, J. exp. Med., 52, 435.
