Radiation Sterilization of Medical Devices and Supplies. I : Disposable Syringes and Needles.

Abstract

Disposable polystyrene and polypropylene syringes (Jintan Co.) and needles, which were stored for 24 months after irradiation with 60Co γ-ray at 3 M rad for the purpose of sterilization, were subjected to sterility test and various function test, such as load test, fluid tightness test and test of solubility into physiological saline solution. There were no bacterial recontamination on samples and no detrimental effects on the functions of polystyrene or polypropylene syringes. It was observed that, in a certain polypropylene material, the irradiation causes a slight colouring and brittleness due to decrease of molecular weight. It is suggested, therefore, that a suitable selection of material must be important to apply the radiation sterilization technology for disposable medical supplies.