Advantages:
The method is reliable and can be accurately controlled
No degradation of media during sterilization, thus it can be used for thermally labile media
Gamma rays have high penetration power thus can be used after packaging Leaves no chemical residue
Administration of precise dosage and uniform dosage distribution
Immediate availability of the media after sterilization
Exposure time is less thus can be used for larger quantity
Disadvantages:
This method is a more costly alternative to heat sterilization
Requires highly specialized equipment
The process cannot be stopped once started
The radiations are harmful to the workers
Applications: this method can be used for sterilization of
Plastic syringes, hypodermic needles, scalpels, surgical blades and adhesive materials.
Bones and tissue transplant, plastic tubing, catheters and sutures.
Sterilization of thermolabile medicaments.