Medical Equipment Sterilization: Discover a Tailored Service

Sterilization provider since 1957, IONISOS works daily with manufacturers and professionals in the medical field to ensure medical equipment sterilization.

Syringes, dressings, catheters, vials, and prosthetics are used daily by doctors, hospitals, and laboratories to treat patients. It is therefore essential that the numerous pathogens present on these products are destroyed beforehand, ensuring safe use that fully complies with standards and regulations.

This requires working with a trusted provider who can choose the most suitable treatment solution based on the nature and density of the product, ensuring it is perfectly sterile while maintaining its appearance and functionality.

To achieve this, IONISOS offers 3 advanced, proven techniques to cover all your needs: gamma, beta, and ethylene oxide sterilization.

Let’s explore them together…

3 Methods to Sterilize Your Medical Devices

Regardless of the method used, medical device sterilization aims to destroy microorganisms present on packaging and inside products: bacteria, fungi, mold, etc.

The choice of technique, dose, and exposure time will be based on several criteria: the composition of the products (are they heat-resistant? Moisture-resistant? Oxidation-resistant?), their density, the type of packaging, and finally, whether they are packaged as individual items or on pallets.

Gamma Treatment

Thanks to its high penetration capability, gamma sterilization allows for the direct treatment of medical products in their final packaging, whether as individual items or on pallets, making it both practical and economical. With this method, re-packaging costs are eliminated! Products can be used immediately after treatment.

Its electromagnetic rays are produced by a radioactive source, cobalt-60, and are emitted within a fully secured 2-meter-thick concrete protection cell. This method leaves no residue and is suitable for a wide range of resins and oxidation-resistant materials, and can also be used for packaged liquids.

Beta Treatment

Beta sterilization (also known as e-beam) is quite similar to gamma in principle. Beta rays are produced using an electron accelerator, and the technique leaves no residue. Its penetration depth is lower, which helps reduce the risk of oxidation of the products.

Only a few seconds of exposure are required per product. This efficiency allows for the treatment of an entire load in a few hours, enabling rapid delivery.

It is suitable for sterilizing various medical instruments: dressings, syringes, catheters, etc.

Ethylene Oxide

Finally, ethylene oxide sterilization allows for the treatment of the widest range of medical devices, with the exception of liquids, which are not recommended, and products sensitive to heat or moisture.

Products are exposed to a gas in an isolation chamber and then aerated for several hours (less than 24 hours) to remove residues.

This technique allows for the treatment of products incompatible with beta or gamma sterilization; materials that are not resistant to radiation.

The only constraint is that the packaging must be permeable to ethylene oxide.

Ionisos: Specialized Centers in France and Europe

specialized treatment sites in France and Europe

Ionisos operates 12 specialized treatment sites in France and Europe for cold sterilization of medical equipment.

Our expertise allows us to meet the most stringent requirements of our clients, with constant quality control while strictly adhering to current standards and regulations.

We are also able to adapt to specific timelines to address urgent needs.

By joining our clientele, you benefit from tailored support with a dedicated contact who will provide advice and guidance based on your needs.