Tests reveal Hitachi Mu-chip RFID inlets can withstand at least 500 kilogray (kGy) gamma ray exposure with no additional protective encapsulation. Test results white paper available now
Hitachi America, Ltd. in conjunction with a leading provider of gamma sterilization isotope and equipment, revealed Hitachi’s Mu-chip RFID (radio frequency identification) tag technology can survive at least 500 kilogray (kGy) of gamma energy exposure. For the tests, populations of 30 Mu-chip inlets were exposed to gamma energy from 100 kGy to 500 kGy. All Mu-chip inlets (bare unruggedized RFID integrated circuit chips attached to a thin flexible aluminum antenna) revealed no detectable damage. 500 kGy gamma exposure is representative of 20 typical medical device sterilization cycles of 25 kGy each. Gamma ray energy exposure damage to substances is cumulative.
Medical, pharmacy, and life sciences experimenters in item level RFID tagging discovered early on that gamma radiation levels in typical sterilization protocols permanently damage, or at the very least, harmfully affect the data contained in RFID tags. Hitachi’s Mu-chip RFID IC chips are different from other RFID IC chips in an important way. The unique and never duplicated identification data contained in each Mu-chip IC is structurally “hard wired” into the chip. The hardwired code is far less affected by gamma energy. The test team concluded that Mu-chip is fully compatible with current gamma sterilization protocols and considered a highly viable RFID technology for medical disposables and any other items that routinely undergo gamma exposure, especially repeated gamma exposure.
The small form factor of the Hitachi Mu-chip inlet is attributed to its 2.45GHz operating frequency and the proven durability of Mu-chip inlets further qualify this technology as a highly practical RFID inclusion for small, high value items. Hitachi Mu-chip inlets are subjected to and survive high temperatures and pressures in processes such as plastics molding and the vulcanization process of rubber. The hardcoded unique identifier in the Mu-chip makes it particularly suitable for irrefutable item validation, traceability and authentication against counterfeiting and grey market diversion as well as in manufacturing process control.
“We’ve known for some time that Hitachi Mu-chip could survive gamma sterilization protocols. We have documented just how strong Mu-chip is to gamma energy,” said Gary Andrechak, RFID Product Manager, Hitachi America, Ltd. A jointly authored a white paper describing the tests, results, and supporting information on RFID and gamma sterilization is available in electronic form by e-mail request to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The white paper will also be available at Hitachi’s exhibit booth 4412 during INTERPHEX at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA, March 26 to 28, 2008.
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