Our technology-neutral sterilization offering includes radiation and gas technologies.
Learn more about our global offering, which includes electron beam, gamma, X-ray, ethylene oxide and vaporized hydrogen peroxide technologies
Radiation
Electron Beam
Electron beam irradiation exposes products to high-energy electrons
Technology Variables
- Orientation to beam
- Beam energy
- Beam power
- Product conveyance
Product Considerations
- MATERIAL COMPATIBILITY
Compatible with most materials - DENSITY
Moderate to low penetration on dense products
Possible Effects
Lower possible materials effects than gamma and X-ray
Exposure Time
- MINUTES
(time varies based on dose requirements)
Gamma
Gamma irradiation exposes products to a Cobalt 60 radiation field
Technology Variables
- Time in Cell
- Isotope Load
- Product Conveyance
Product Considerations
- MATERIAL COMPATIBILITY
Compatible with most materials - DENSITY
Good penetration on dense products
Possible Effects
On certain materials, embrittlement, discoloration, change in viscosity due to irradiation
Exposure Time
- HOURS
(time varies based on dose requirements)
x-ray
X-ray irradiation uses ionizing energy from high-powered electron beam accelerators
Technology Variables
- Processing Speed
- Number of Passes
- Product Conveyance
Product Considerations
- MATERIAL COMPATIBILITY
Compatible with most materials - DENSITY
Excellent penetration on dense products
Possible Effects
Similar to gamma, but less pronounced due to improved dose uniformity and processing time
Exposure Time
- HOURS
(time varies based on dose requirements)
Gas
ethylene oxide
Ethylene oxide sterilization uses a 3-part gas process which includes pre-conditioning, sterilization, and aeration
Technology Variables
- Exposure Time
- Temperature
- Humidity
- EO Concentration
- 100 % EO Or Positive Pressure Process
- Chamber Size
- Single Chamber Or Multi-chamber Process Parameters
Product Considerations
- MATERIAL COMPATIBILITY
Very few compatibility concerns; liquids generally not recommended. Packaging must be breathable - DENSITY
Impacts the concentration and exposure time - TEMPERATURE
Temperature and humidity can be elevated - GAS PATHWAY
Gas must reach surfaces requiring sterilization
Possible Effects
Due to accumulation of EO residuals products may require prolonged aeration
Exposure Time
- HOURS TO DAYS
(depends on validation approach and time required for degassing)
vaporized hydrogen peroxide
VHP is a deep vacuum, low temperature vapor sterilization process
Technology Variables
- Exposure time
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Pressure (vacuum)
- VHP concentration
Product Considerations
- Material Compatibility
Compatible with most materials
Cellulose-based materials and highly absorbent materials are not compatible.
- Vapor Pathway
Vapor must reach surfaces requiring sterilization - Density
Surface sterilization process (limited penetration capabilities)
Possible Effects
VHP breaks down safely into water and oxygen.
Low residual levels.
No known oxidation or discoloration effects.
Exposure Time
- Hours
(time varies based on product requirements)
Moist Heat (Steam)
Steam autoclaving is a 3-part high-temperature gas process that includes preconditioning, sterilization, and postconditioning.
Technology Variables
- EXPOSURE TIME
- TEMPERATURE
- SUB-ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE
Precondition & postcondition - UPRA-ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE
Exposure phase
Product Considerations
- LIQUID PRODUCTS
Can effectively sterilize contained liquids and gels (syringes, vials, bottles, etc.)
- MATERIAL COMPATIBILITY
Chemically compatible with most materials
Ductility and melting of solids need to be considered due to high temperatures
- GAS PATHWAY
Relies on vacuum to remove non-condensable gas (air) to achieve sterilant (steam) contact with internal surfaces
Possible Effects
Damage to heat-sensitive, pressure-sensitive, or moisture-sensitive equipment
Melting, distortion, and potential corrosion
Water is the only residual / by-product
Exposure Time
- MINUTES to HOURS
Time varies based on product temperature limitations and validation approach