Though it has been the standard practice to use cesium-137 irradiators for transfusions, the FDA has approved using x-ray technology instead. This means you can now prevent TA-GvHD without the use of the radioactive isotope.
During the last decade, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved emerging technology to replace Cesium-137 Irradiators. Traditionally, blood was irradiated using cesium chloride (CsCl), which is a powder form of the highly radioactive isotope Cesium-137.
Blood transfusions are vital procedures that save the lives of many people around the world. Hospitals administer safety measures surrounding this procedure through a machine that utilizes radioactive materials for sterilization.