A method of reducing the deterioration of a wetted hydrophilic coating caused by sterilization by radiation is provided. The method comprises the step of incorporating a thiosulfate anion and a buffer into the wetting hydrophilic coating comprising water. Some embodiments of the invention relate to a wetted hydrophilic coating, a wetting agent, a package comprising a wetted hydrophilic coating, and a method of sterilizing a wetted hydrophilic coating.