The sterilization with γ-rays for medical catgut sutures

which were traditionally sterilized by the method of oil-bath

was described. It was shown that the medical catgut sutures were completely sterilized with the dose of 20 kGy. The qualities of the catgut sutures sterilized by y-rays were much better than that by oil-bath. For example

the catgut sutures had an increase of 14.57% in tensile strength and felt more soft. The processing period of the technology was three or five days shorter than that of the old one. By eliminating the three old processing procedures of drying

sampling and oilbathing

the radiation sterilization achieved an increase in the rate of finished products and a reduction in production cost.