Facebook page opens in new window Twitter page opens in new window YouTube page opens in new window Linkedin page opens in new window Search: X-RAY X-ray Irradiation Processing The X-ray irradiation process utilizes photon radiation for a variety of applications, including sterilization, decontamination and materials modification. The X-ray process is compatible with most materials and provides excellent penetration on dense products. What is X-ray Irradiation? X-ray starts as an electron beam where electrons are generated and accelerated to gain energy. Electrons are generated in equipment with an energy of 5 to 7.5 MeV (million electron volts) and at a high power in the hundreds of kW (kilowatts). The electrons are then focused on a specific metal target of high atomic number. The X-ray radiation is generated through a process called Bremsstrahlung to create electromagnetic energy (photons) with an energy in the same range as gamma. What is X-ray Irradiation Used for? X-ray irradiation can effectively treat a wide variety of materials with varying densities, configurations and orientations. Some examples of types of products processed include: Medical devices Pharmaceuticals Combination drug/device products Tissue-based and biological products Animal retail products Archives Cosmetics and toiletries Horticultural supplies Packaging materials What are the Benefits of X-ray Irradiation Processing? X-ray irradiation is safe, reliable and highly effective at treating a wide variety of products with varying densities. The combination of shorter exposure time and improved Dose Uniformity Ratio (DUR) make X-ray irradiation a viable processing option for a variety of products. Similar to electron beam, X-ray processing is powered by electricity. Benefits of X-ray include: Improved penetration ability of photon energy, similar to gamma Fast and efficient targeted processing that facilitates scale from carton to full pallets of product Flexibility – ability to mix different products with different dose requirements in the same irradiation cycle Reduced material degradation with reduced processing times and reduce of the maximal dose given to product in comparison to Gamma and E-beam irradiation. Ability to process to tight dose specifications through improved DUR Incremental lap-based dose delivery, offering flexible and precise process definition across a wide range of doses Standards: X-ray sterilization is supported by the internationally recognized consensus standard, ISO 11137, which describes the approach to validating a dose to achieve a defined sterility assurance level (SAL). X-ray Irradiation Support Services: In addition to irradiation sterilization, STERIS AST provides our Customers with laboratory testing and technical support solutions at every stage of the sterilization design process, from product development through routine processing. Our Radiation TechTeam® guides Customers through the irradiation validation process, provides solutions for unique project needs, and supports routine processing through quarterly dose audits. The Radiation Technology Center (RTC) supports our Customers with radiation test activities such as product trials, dose establishment and dose verification. The RTC provides high-precision dose delivery for validation, dose mapping, dose audit, and research purposes. Our testing services provide Customers with validation support and microbial testing of their products proceed with irradiation. As part of our complete radiation validation program, we will develop a protocol, assemble all testing and validation data, summarize results and make recommendations based on your product, as well as provide on-going support through a dedicated Radiation TechTeam Project Manager. Go here to learn more about our testing services available. X-RAY OVERVIEW X-ray Irradiation Summary 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 line Similar to gamma, but less pronounced due to improved dose uniformity and processing time Exposure Time line HOURS (time varies based on dose requirements) Why STERIS AST? As a global leading sterilization and decontamination specialist, STERIS AST has over 40 years experience in providing safe and effective irradiation sterilization. RELATED TECHTIPS SEE ALL Activation Assessment (X-ray and electron beam) Background Radioactive material of natural origin is abundant and varies widely in both type and amount. The energy from these materials, plus that of cosmic or cosmogenic origin, is called background radiation. Artificial radioactivity is the result o Radiation Verification Dose Transfer Radiation Dose Setting: Single Lot vs. Full Validation of Minimum Sterilization Dose Cumulative Radiation Dosing Contract Sterilization Electron Beam Gamma Irradiation X-Ray Ethylene Oxide Sustainable EO® Sterilization Services Microbiology Testing Services Analytical Testing Services Product Testing Packaging Testing Other Services Technical Support Contact our team of experts to find out more about our Global Contract Sterilization Services CONTACT US STERIS is a leading provider of infection prevention and other procedural products and services. 5960 Heisley Road | Mentor, OH 44060 USA 877.783.7479 Join Our Mailing List Latest News STERIS ACCEPTED AS FIRST CONTRACT STERILIZER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FDA ETHYLENE OXIDE STERILIZATION MASTER FILE PILOT PROGRAM STERIS Expands Brooklyn Park, Minnesota Laboratory to Include Product and Packaging Testing Services Venlo, The Netherlands X-ray Facility Receives ISO 13485 Accreditation Upcoming Events Introduction to the Ethylene Oxide Master File Pilot Program MD&M East National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition © 2021 STERIS. 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