Know Your Sterilization Packaging Better

Medical grade paper and Tyvek Paper in combination with PET/CPP is commonly used and most popular packaging material. Medical grade paper with the lignin free pulp having excellent barrier properties as well as breathability. The most important aspect of sterilization packaging material is, it should be neutral in nature and compatible with the Sterilant to be used.

The subsequent packaging phase has specific purposes, such as

• Allow the removal of air and, therefore, the penetration and contact of the sterilising agents with the surface of the object to be treated
• Reduce the risk of contamination of the sterilised material when the sterile package is open
• Preserve the sterility of the treated material until it’s used
• Be free of toxicity
• Be practical, convenient and economical

On the other hand, “good” packaging depends on several factors

• Material used
• Packaging methods
• Structure of the object to be packaged
• Storage

Improper packaging can result in ineffective sterilant penetration into the package, wet packs, and inability to open the package aseptically thus the right packaging must be chosen. The sterilization packaging material must allow penetration of the sterilant inside the package, provide protection against external contaminations during handling and storage, provide an effective barrier to microbial penetration, and maintain the sterility of the processed item after sterilization. An ideal sterilization packaging must successfully address barrier effectiveness, penetrability (i.e., allows to penetrate sterilant inside), aeration (e.g., allows ETO/ Sterilant gas to dissipate), ease of use, drapeability, flexibility, puncture resistance, tear strength, seal strength, must be non-toxic, odour less, lint free, cost effective.

Sterilisation packaging materials

1. Dupont Tyvek: Tyvek® provides resistance to microbial penetration, helping to maintain sterility of the contents of pouches until opened. And when medical device and sterilization pouches are opened, Tyvek® generates very few airborne particles. It is made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), Tyvek® is stable when exposed to sterilant gases and high-energy sterilization processes. It is compatible with all of the most commonly used sterilization methods, including ethylene oxide (EO), gamma, electron-beam, steam (under controlled conditions) and low-temperature oxidative sterilization processes. This means that no matter which process you use.
2. Medical Grade paper: Medical grade sterilization papers are an effective barrier against the penetration of microorganisms and environmental dust, they are permeable to the sterilizing agent while their reduced pore size guarantees safe storage properties. They have resistance to both dry and wet handling and to the sterilization method used, they do not release material during use and do not damage the material packed in it. They have high mechanical strength in both dry and wet conditions, and are compatible with sterilization processes by steam, ethylene oxide and gamma rays.
3. SMMS wraps: SMMS wrapping paper consists of four nonwoven polypropylene fabric layers and can be used either as inner or outer wrapping of medical devices and trays. The spunbond layers (S) provide good filtration properties, tensile strength and are fluid repellent while the meltbown layers (M) ensure strong bacterial barrier properties with very small porous size. SMMS wraps as single or double wrapped are suitable for steam, ethylene oxide and hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization methods.
4. Crepe papers: Crepe wraps are suitable for steam, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde and radiation sterilizations methods and are a reliable solution for preventing cross contamination with bacteria. These sheets are recommended for light weight instruments sterilisation.

Important tips to remember while packing instruments

1. Paper-plastic pouch packages should be used only for small, lightweight
2. packages should have as much air removed as possible before sealing. Air acts as a barrier to heat and moisture.
3. Paper-plastic pouches should not be used within wrapped sets or containment devices because the pouches cannot be positioned to ensure adequate air removal, sterilant contact, and drying.
4. Pouch packages should open without tearing, linting, shredding, or delaminating.