Radiation sterilization of demineralized bone grafts in the light of hepatitis B and C infection prevention

Donor compact bone specimens infected by В, C hepatitis were exposed to the influence of fast electron flow in increasing doses (from 15 to 50 kGy) for the detection of minimum dose of radiation sterilization. The study of specimens on HBV and HCV markers showed that 50 and 36 kGy were close to minimum doses required for the inactivation of antigen structures of В, C hepatitis, respectively. The danger of virus hepatitis transmission by demineralized bone grafts is present if conventional normative doses of radiation sterilization (up to 35 kGy) are applied. Taking into account the side effect of radiation sterilization on the microstructure of bone grafts it is necessary to continue the search of methods for the preservation of plastic (conductive and inductive) bone properties during sterilization by fast electron flow in 50 kGy dose.