The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 highlighted the pivotal role of the medical device supply chain in delivering effective healthcare worldwide. A critical component of this supply chain is the sterilization of medical devices, primarily achieved through ethylene oxide and gamma irradiation using Cobalt-60. This whitepaper, “Gamma: The Heart of Radiation Sterilization Past, Present, and Future,” offers a concise overview of gamma irradiation’s importance and its significant position over the past 50 years.
Gamma irradiation has established itself as a reliable, effective, and cost-efficient sterilization method, which is crucial for ensuring the safety and functionality of medical devices. The whitepaper discusses the historical context, current applications, and future prospects of gamma sterilization. It provides stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of the Cobalt-60 supply chain, addressing concerns about its continuity and stability. The document underscores that there is no compelling reason to switch from gamma sterilization, given its proven track record and continued efficacy.
By reading this whitepaper, medical device manufacturers, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders will gain clarity on the state of Cobalt-60 supply, learn about Nordion’s strategies for maintaining and enhancing supply, and understand the broader implications of gamma sterilization in the healthcare industry. The whitepaper aims to reassure stakeholders of the robustness of the gamma sterilization modality and its capacity to meet current and future demands.