Developments in Sterilization Technology

Since the invention of Steam Autoclave in 1879, there has been progressive refinement in steam sterilizers: from manually operated equipment to modern microprocessor-controlled, automatic machines.

Although the efficiency, reliability, and performance monitoring of modern equipment is continually improving, the fundamental process remains essentially the same.

Sterilization processes are inextricably related to the product to be sterilized. They are also related to the packaging of the sterilized product. Except for the instances when the sterilizer can be located where the sterile goods are to be used, there is a need for the sterilized products to be packaged in a manner that will preserve their sterility during storage, handling, and transport.

The majority of sterile goods produced in the medical device industry and in healthcare facilities are terminally sterilized—that is, they are sterilized already packaged. They may be packaged only in their primary packaging or in multiple layers of packaging such as a unit pack, shelf pack, and shipping carton.

For a product sterilized in its packaging, the packaging material must be compatible with the sterilization process. This requires both that the packaging tolerates the process without adverse effects on its performance characteristics, and that it permits the attainment of the specified sterilization conditions in the product to be sterilized.

There is no single sterilization process that is suitable for all medical products. The diversity in sterilization processes—and of operating systems within each process - has arisen as a consequence of the efforts made to optimize medical sterilization and to meet the differing needs imposed by the vast range of products to be sterilized.  

Disclaimer

The content of this issue is presented for general information only as perceived by the writer of the article. Reader should independently verify the correctness and accuracy of the material before using the same for any purpose whatsoever. The Company or Management or Staff of Puneet Industries or the Writer shall not be responsible for any inaccuracy or error in the article.

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