General Questions

What is Ionizing Radiation?

Ionizing radiation consists of subatomic particles or electromagnetic waves that are energetic enough to detach electrons from atoms or molecules, ionizing them.

Two of the most common forms of ionizing radiation are gamma rays and x-rays. Both forms of ionizing radiation are almost identical with exception to their source of origination.

How is Ionizing Radiation Generated?

Ionizing radiation comes from radioactive sources such as cobalt 60 and cesium 137 and non-radioactive sources such as x-ray tubes. Radioactive sources are unstable materials where gamma rays originate from the nucleus. x-rays originate in the electron fields surrounding the nucleus or are machine-produced.

What is Ionizing Radiation Used for?

Because of the penetrating properties of ionizing radiation and their ability to kill microorganisms, ionizing radiation is used to sterilize or reduce the microbial load of many different types of products such as medical devices, packaging, cosmetics, foods, and agricultural products. It is also used to alter the properties of many different polymers through recombination, cross-linkage, and cross scission.

Why use x-ray versus gamma produced Ionizing radiation?

Gamma ionizing radiation is produced by radioactive sources such as cobalt 60 or cesium 137 and is dangerous requiring heavy shielding and high levels of security to protect. The unstable material is constantly decaying and cannot be turned off. x-ray ionizing radiation is produced by a x-ray tube therefore it can be turned off when it is not being used and it requires much less shielding. At the end the of unit’s lifecycle, the unit does not have any radioactive source and therefore does not require the expensive disposal costs associated with radioactive sources that continue to degrade over hundreds of years.

Does the RS 3400 require external cooling?

No, the RS 3400 uses a self-contained water to air exchange system.

Is the RS 3400 Blood Irradiator cleared by the FDA for GVHD?

Yes, the RS 3400 was cleared by the USFDA for marketing for the irradiation of blood for the prevention of graft verses host disease (GVHD).

How does the RS 3400 differ from other x-ray irradiators?

The RS 3400 is designed to have the blood bags rotate around the Quastar™ x-ray emitter using our patented carousel and therefore delivers superior uniformity.
Unlike other x-ray blood irradiators, the RS 3400 is completely self-contained and requires no external water supply for tube cooling.
The RS 3400 is engineered for extreme reliability as it uses the proven Quastar™ x-ray emitter.
The RS 3400 has only ONE x-ray tube and ONE power supply.

How does the RS 3400 differ from a Cs-137 gamma irradiator??

The RS 3400 uses a Rad Source patented Quastar™ x-ray emitter and therefore contains NO radioactive isotopes. It can be turned on and off, similar to a light bulb. As a result, there is no Nuclear Site License, Homeland Security issues, or room shielding requirements.

Small Animal Research

The RS 2000·Q2 offers a robust solution for researchers in small animal, stem cell, cancer, and immunology fields. Powered by our 4th generation QUASTAR 2 X-ray platform, it outperforms traditional point source tubes, ensuring superior symmetry, flatness, penetration, and dose uniformity. Delivering energy levels comparable to 320kV tubes, the RS 2000·Q2 also features optional imaging and configurable filters. With RADPlus™ Research Tools designed for enhanced performance and animal comfort, this system runs on a standard 120V outlet and is equipped with caster wheels for easy mobility, making it ideal for any lab environment.

The New Industry Standard for Small Animal Irradiation

The RS 2000·Q2 is driven by the power of our 4th generation QUASTAR 2 X-ray platform, setting a new standard in research for small animal, stem cell, cancer, and immunology studies. This advanced tube technology outclasses traditional point source tubes by delivering unmatched symmetry, flatness, penetration, and dose uniformity. Offering energy levels comparable to 320kV tubes, QUASTAR 2 ensures precision and reliability in every use. With optional imaging and configurable filters, the RS 2000·Q2, powered by QUASTAR 2, is designed to elevate both performance and efficiency in the lab.

Equipment

Small Animal Contact Form

Proprietary Quastar® Photonic Decontamination™ Technology

To prepare these laboratory animals for these human-simulated experiments, their original immune system needs to be either weakened or completely destroyed and then reconstructed with human immune cells.

This is achieved through the application of ionizing radiation, and our patented x-ray irradiation technology is the gold-standard for this application.

Learn About Quastar

Multi-level Chamber Exposure System

Developed with a three-level height-adjustable tray exposure chamber allowing for flexible specimen placement. The design allows small animals to be irradiated in their cages reducing cross-contamination and providing a less stressful environment.

RADPlus™ Research Solutions

Patented RADPlus research solutions are engineered to reduce stress on the animal while ensuring beam uniformity of 95% or higher and will not cause skin burns to the animal. Small animals are free to roam their cages for a less stressful environment.

Unmatched Quality Service and Support

With more than 1000 irradiator installs in renowned hospitals, universities, pharma, government and life science institutions worldwide, Rad Source is a proven and reliable x-ray manufacturer with unmatched and trusted services.

Equipment

RS 2000·Q2 Biological Irradiator

The RS 2000·Q2 is designed for small animal, stem cell, cancer and immunology research, and various other applications. Its core is powered by our 4th generation QUASTAR 2 X-ray platform, which offers superior performance to 1st generation point source tubes.