X-Ray Irradiators for Preclinical Research, Sterilization & Cesium Replacement
Modern x-ray irradiators provide a safe, fully shielded alternative to legacy gamma and cesium sources for
preclinical research, small animal studies, cell and tissue irradiation, and sterilization workflows.
ARES Scientific offers x-ray irradiation systems ranging from compact benchtop units to high-capacity
floor-standing irradiators, helping laboratories transition to cesium-free irradiation without sacrificing
dose accuracy, throughput, or workflow efficiency.
Our portfolio includes closed cabinet x-ray irradiators designed for whole-body and targeted small animal
irradiation, blood irradiation, virus inactivation, seed and agricultural research, and device or consumable sterilization.
With precise dose control, reproducible exposure profiles, integrated dosimetry options, and intuitive software, these
systems support GLP-compliant protocols and consistent, publication-quality data.
Each x-ray irradiator system is fully shielded for installation in standard laboratory spaces, minimizing
room build-out costs and simplifying regulatory approvals compared with open-beam or radioisotope-based systems.
Configurations are available for:
- Small animal irradiation (whole-body, partial-body, and image-guided protocols)
- Cell and tissue culture irradiation in plates, flasks, and tubes
- Virus inactivation and vaccine research
- Blood irradiation for research and translational applications
- Seed, plant, and agricultural irradiation studies
- Medical device, component, and material sterilization
- Food safety, packaging, and contamination studies
By combining high-output x-ray tubes, precision collimation, and user-friendly control
software, these irradiators deliver repeatable dose distributions while protecting staff from scatter and leakage radiation.
Optional imaging modules, advanced dosimetry, programmable exposure sequences, and custom sample fixtures help you tailor
the system to your specific research or production workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions About X-Ray Irradiators
1. What is an x-ray irradiator, and how is it used in the lab?
An x-ray irradiator is a fully shielded cabinet system that uses an x-ray tube to deliver controlled radiation doses to
animals, cells, tissues, materials, or products. In the lab, it is used for preclinical oncology and immunology models,
genetic studies, blood irradiation, virus inactivation, seed and plant research, and sterilization or decontamination
of devices and consumables.
2. How do x-ray irradiators compare to cesium or gamma irradiators?
X-ray irradiators provide similar or better dose accuracy and reproducibility than cesium or gamma units, without the
security, licensing, and end-of-life disposal issues associated with radioactive sources. Because they generate radiation
on demand and turn โoffโ when powered down, they are often easier to install, relocate, and maintain from a regulatory
standpoint.
3. What applications are x-ray irradiators best suited for?
Typical applications include small animal irradiation, cell and tissue culture irradiation, blood irradiation, virus
inactivation, seed and agricultural studies, food safety testing, and device or packaging sterilization. With the
right configuration, a single x-ray irradiator can support multiple departments and workflows within the same facility.
4. Can x-ray irradiators be used as a cesium irradiator replacement?
Yes. Many laboratories are actively replacing cesium irradiators with cesium-free x-ray irradiation systems
to reduce risk and simplify compliance. Modern systems are designed specifically to support cesium replacement initiatives,
offering comparable dose delivery, validated protocols, and support for programs like CIRP and institutional
source-reduction efforts.
5. What sample types and holders can be used in an x-ray irradiation system?
Depending on the model, you can irradiate mice, rats, and other small animals in dedicated cages or positioning fixtures;
multiwell plates, flasks, tubes, and blood bags in standardized racks; or seeds, food samples, and devices in custom
sample trays. Adjustable shelves, collimators, and shielding accessories help you optimize geometry and dose uniformity
for your specific application.
6. How do I choose the right x-ray irradiator for my facility?
Start with your primary applicationโsmall animals, cells, blood, seeds, or device sterilizationโthen consider desired
dose rates, maximum field size, energy requirements, throughput, and available room space. We can help you compare
benchtop versus floor-standing systems, evaluate dosimetry and imaging options, and ensure the configuration meets your
safety, workflow, and budget requirements.
7. What are the installation and shielding requirements for a cabinet x-ray irradiator?
Fully shielded cabinet x-ray irradiators are typically installed in standard labs or procedure rooms with minimal
room shielding. Requirements vary by model and local regulations, but most systems only need appropriate power,
ventilation, and radiation-safety review. Our team can work with your radiation safety officer (RSO) and facilities
group to confirm layout and compliance.
8. How is dose monitored and verified in an x-ray irradiation system?
Modern x-ray irradiators use integrated dosimetry, calibrated dose-rate tables, and real-time monitoring to ensure
accurate and repeatable dosing. External dosimeters, phantoms, and independent QA checks can be used to validate
output over time. We can connect you with dosimetry accessories and recommended QA procedures to keep your
irradiation program audit-ready.
