A sterilization adapted to medical equipment
Medical equipment requires the utmost rigor in its sterilization. Adhering to French and European standards necessitates following a strict sterilization protocol. These standards define the steps of the sterilization process, whether it is carried out by radiation or by ethylene oxide.
These two processes fundamentally differ. Widely used, sterilization by ionization allows for the treatment of large volumes while achieving a very high-quality result. Its use at the end of the logistics chain also saves time and reduces storage costs, as products are available immediately after sterilization.
The validation of these two sterilization methods is subject to a strict regulatory framework.
The ISO 11137 standard related to radiation sterilization governs both microbial determination tests and the processes to be implemented to establish the sterilizing dose.
By defining minimum and maximum doses to be applied during the process, it helps eliminate the microbial load of the device without altering its characteristics.
On the other hand, ISO 11135 pertains to EO sterilization and its various phases. By combining installation qualification (IQ), operational qualification (OQ), and performance qualification (PQ), one ensures the consistency of cycle parameters over time.