The sterilization dose setting by ISO 11137 method 1 was conducted for natural rubber
examination gloves provided by a local factory. The suitable sterilization dose for an average
product bioburden falls between 20 - 25 kilogray. Maximum dose o f 25 or 50 kilogray results
in no changes o f tensiles and elongation at break.
Samples o f examination glove were irradiated using various doses between 10-50
kilogray. Analysis o f soluble protein content using modified Lowry method was carried out and
the results revealed that irradiation did not affect the decrement o f soluble protein content in this
case. However, thin film samples were prepared in laboratory and treated in the same
procedure.The results were also the same.
The results did not show any correlation. Two factors are possibly presumed :
unconsistency o f samples and the irradiation o f finished products could not affect those soluble
proteins in rubber gloves.