Switzerland Reaches Milestone: Final Caesium Blood Irradiator Decommissioned

Switzerland has reached a significant milestone in radiation safety and security of high-activity radioactive sources. The country has recently completed the successful decommissioning of its last caesium-based blood irradiator.

From now on, blood irradiation in Switzerland will be carried out exclusively using advanced X-ray technology, which poses no risk of malicious misuse and avoids the challenges associated with the disposal of high-activity radioactive sources.

Blood products are irradiated to prevent immune reactions in vulnerable patients after transfusion, such as following organ transplants. The sterilization process still requires intense radiation, but in the past, this was typically performed using high-activity radioactive sources like caesium-137. Today, thanks to technological advancements, X-ray devices can achieve the same effect while being significantly safer and without creating radioactive waste.

This achievement is part of the Action Plan Radiss, launched in 2020 by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) to prevent the misuse of radioactive sources and to promote safer alternatives. With the early replacement of all caesium-based blood irradiators, Switzerland has met one of the Federal Council’s goals - originally set for the end of 2025 - well ahead of schedule.

By reaching this target, Switzerland is taking a leading role in the safe and sustainable use of modern technologies.

The Radiss Action Plan will continue through 2028, working to close remaining security gaps and to support the adoption of advanced technologies that can replace high activity radioactive sources.

Lead source container with highly radioactive Cs-137 source from a blood irradiation device. The blood containers were placed in the irradiation cell via the silver opening (the electronics and housing of the blood irradiation device have already been removed).

Hazardous goods transporter with the resistant transport box in which the source container is placed.

The source container is placed in the transport box by crane.

The source container is housed in the transport box. The lid is placed on the box and screwed on tightly.

The source is recycled abroad in Europe.

Alternative technology to highly radioactive sources: X-ray system for the irradiation of blood products. The device is about the same size as those with Cs-137, but poses no risk of misuse or sabotage.

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