Why is gamma used for sterilization of medical instruments?

Why is gamma used for sterilization of medical instruments?

Gamma irradiation is a physical/chemical means of sterilization, because it kills bacteria by breaking down bacterial DNA, inhibiting bacterial division. Energy of gamma rays passes through the equipment, disrupting the pathogens that cause contamination.

Is gamma radiation used to Sterilise hospital equipment?

Sterilisation surgical instruments Gamma rays are high energy electromagnetic waves which are only stopped by thick lead. This means they can easily pass through medical equipment, such as syringes. As gamma rays pass through the packaging and syringe, they will kill viruses and bacteria which contaminate the syringe.

Why is gamma radiation used in medical scanning?

The advantages of imaging using gamma rays include the fact that it is non-invasive, and there are no ethical issues. Some disadvantages are present however, such as the possibility of a patient that is worried about being exposed to the radiation.

How do gamma rays being used in medical treatment?

Uses in Medicine Gamma rays are widely used in medicine and specifically in the area of oncology to treat malignant and cancerous tumors during a process called gamma knife surgery. In this type of treatment, concentrated beams of gamma rays are directed at tumors in order to kill cancerous cells.

Are gamma rays used in chemotherapy?

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells (1). X-rays, gamma rays, and charged particles are types of radiation used for cancer treatment.

Why are gamma rays dangerous?

Gamma rays are a radiation hazard for the entire body. They can easily penetrate barriers that can stop alpha and beta particles, such as skin and clothing. Gamma rays can pass completely through the human body; as they pass through, they can cause ionizations that damage tissue and DNA.

Does gamma radiation kill mold?

The treatment of gamma irradiation on growth of microorganisms showed that The radiation doses above 10.0 kGy completely killed the Cryptococcus laurentii (Fig. The minimum lethal effective dose of 6 kGy (600 krad) was established for the Aspergillus spp. Mold.

How much does gamma radiation cost?

2) Gamma radiation is an inexpensive and logistically simple process–The cost of having the infested materials treated with gamma radiation at a commercial radiation plant was $1.00 per cubic foot.

How do gamma rays affect humans?

How do gamma rays sterilize surgical instruments?

Although they contain dangerous ionizing energy, gamma rays can be useful in sterilization of medical equipment. Gamma rays sterilize surgical instruments because they easily penetrate through most materials and the ionizing energy they release kills bacteria and… See full answer below. Become a Study.com member to unlock this answer!

Is it safe to use gamma radiation for sterilization?

However using ionizing radiation for sterilization isn’t always practical. Other reasons that this method is less popular is that it is very expensive and requires a warehouse-like processing facility. It can be very dangerous if used improperly. After all, if it can kill bacteria it can also kill humans. What’s your take?

How are gamma rays used to treat food?

The gamma rays from this source kill bacteria, mould, parasites and insects. They also inhibit germination and premature ripening in fruits and vegetables. This helps to prolong the shelf life of the food. The food itself does not become radioactive. The Radura logo below is used to indicate the food has been treated by radiations.

How does a radiation bag keep an instrument sterile?

The bag and instrument are then placed in a very large field of radiation that can penetrate the bag—for example, gamma radiation, x rays, or high-energy electrons. These ionizing radiations can kill the bacteria (cells); and the air-tight bag will keep the instrument sterile until the bag is opened in the medical facility.