How to determine the effectiveness of sterilization packaging bags?

To determine the effectiveness of sterilization packaging bags, the following four steps of systematic inspection are required:

1. Check the integrity of the packaging

Visual inspection: Confirm that the packaging is undamaged and free of stains, and that the sealing width of the paper plastic bag is ≥ 6mm and there is no air leakage.

Touch inspection: The touch packaging should be dry, without any dampness or water droplets.

Sealing test: Paper plastic bags need to be pressed to check for air leakage, and hard containers need to have intact locking devices.

2. Verify the compatibility of sterilization methods

Material matching: Paper plastic bags need to be compatible with sterilization methods such as ethylene oxide and steam, and pass biocompatibility testing.

Chemical indicators: The color change of the tape outside the package should be uniform (such as turning black after high-temperature sterilization), and the indicator card inside the package should comply with the sterilization method (such as turning yellow after low-temperature sterilization).

3. Verify the usage period

Validity period: Paper plastic bag packaging items usually have a validity period of 180 days and must be used before the marked date.

Environmental requirements: If the storage environment temperature and humidity exceed the standard (such as>22 ℃ or relative humidity>70%), the validity period needs to be shortened.

4. Follow the operating procedures

Packaging requirements: The special tape should be wrapped in parallel or in a cross shape, with appropriate elasticity.

Equipment placement: The distance between the equipment and the sealing area should be ≥ 2.5cm to avoid affecting the sealing.

Prohibited use: Packaging damage, failure to meet chemical indicators, wet packaging, or dropping are all considered invalid.

The above steps can ensure the effectiveness of sterilization packaging bags and ensure medical safety.