Infection after a hospital operation was a major problem in the 19th Century. Operations were often carried out with equipment and hands contaminated with microbes which caused infections. In 1865 an Edinburgh surgeon, Joseph Lister (1827-1912), was the first scientist to realise the importance of sterile equipment. He used a chemical called an antiseptic to kill the microbes
Today, infections after operations have been reduced significantly by the use of pre-packed, disposable items which have been sterilised by either gamma radiation or high-energy electrons. This helps to speed up treatment and reduce cross infection risks. Items to be sterilised arrive at the irradiation plant sealed in packages. They are conveyed through a concrete shielded room where the radiation penetrates the packaging, killing the microbes. The radiation passes through the items making them sterile and ready for medical use.
Uses of Ionising Radiation
Gamma radiation and high-energy electron beams are called ionising radiations and inactive microbes. Breaks occur in the helix of DNA which destroy the ability of the cell to reproduce itself. Hence cell division is prevented and the cell is “killed”.
Site last updated February 16, 2012 @ 9:33 am
