A time and cost effective production method for medical devices with a
hydrophilic coating is provided, which ensures adequate adhesion to the substrate, as well as good
water retention and
low friction properties. Specifically, the method comprises the steps of: providing a substrate; applying, in one or more steps, a
coating solution comprising a hydrophilic
polymer to a surface of said substrate to form a non-cross-linked
hydrophilic coating on said substrate; and irradiating the coated substrate, wherein said
irradiation is adapted both to cross-link said
hydrophilic coating and to simultaneously sterilize the
medical device.Hereby, a non-cross linked hydrophilic
coating is first obtained on the substrate, which
coating is loosely connected to the substrate, and which is not fit for use as a
catheter coating. However, after the step of irradiating the coated substrate, the hydrophilic coating becomes cross-linked, and fit for use e.g. on a
urinary catheter. Further, since one and the same
irradiation step is used to effect both cross-linking and sterilization, the production can be made more efficient, using fewer production steps and with a shortened production time.