A manufacturer sterilises disposable plastic syringes by gamma irradiation from a cobalt-60 source. Which absorbed dose is the internationally accepted standard for achieving sterilization of such single-use devices?
- A 12 kilogray
- B 25 kilogray ✓
- C 50 kilogray
- D 100 kilogray
Correct answer: B. 25 kilogray
Explanation
The standard validated dose for radiation sterilization of medical products is 2.5 megarad, equal to 25 kilogray. Ionizing radiation penetrates sealed packages, leaves no toxic residue, and raises temperature negligibly, making it ideal for heat-labile plastics. Doses below 25 kilogray may fail against resistant spores, while 50 and 100 kilogray exceed the validated standard and risk polymer degradation without added benefit.
Reference: Ananthanarayan and Paniker's Textbook of Microbiology, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.