Ethylene Oxide Gamma E-beam X-ray
Methodology Penetration of sterilant gas into packaged product Irradiation of product using photons from radioisotope Product sterilized using ionizing energy from electron beam Products sterilized using ionizing energy from Rhodotron electron beam
Efficacy Process efficacy confirmed by biological indicators and/or process monitoring Process parameters confirmed by dosimetry Process parameters confirmed by dosimetry Process parameters confirmed by dosimetry
Penetration Requires gas permeable packaging and product design Good penetration complete even at high densities (> 0.4 gm/cc) Efficient penetration at bulk densities between 0.05 – 0.30 gm/cc Excellent penetration for all product types
Material Compatibility Very few material compatibility concerns Liquids are generally not recommended Compatible with most materials; plastics need to be evaluated

Avoid acetals, PTFE (teflon), unstable polypropylene Additives are available to correct issues.

 Negative effects are frequently less pronounced or eliminated Similar to gamma, however negative effects are frequently less pronounced or eliminated
Turnaround Time Days: Conventional = 9-10 days. EOExpress® = one day Hours: time varies based on dose requirements Minutes: time varies based on dose requirements Hours: time varies based on dose requirements
Process Complex process: Variables include exposure time, temperature, humidity and EO concentration

Non-process variables impacting lethality include load density, packaging, and winter shipping conditions.

 Simple process: Variables include time in the cell and isotope load Complex process: Variables include scan height, processing speed, number of passes, and orientation to the beam Moderately complex process: Variables include processing speed, number of passes and number of pallets on conveyor
Product Handling Traditional processing: pallets are transferred between stages via fork truck or conveyor system

EOExpress® processing: entire process takes place in the sterilization chamber

 Aluminum totes/pallets with product placed in pre-determined loading pattern Aluminum carriers with product placed in pre-determined loading pattern, or boxes placed directly onto conveyor Products processed via pallets, in pre-determined loading pattern
Details Ethylene Oxide Services Page Gamma Irradiation Page E-beam Services Page X-ray Services Page