Why is sterile barrier packaging important?
Hospital infections are a global problem: on average 8.7% of hospitalized patients and as many as 25-30% of intensive care patients suffer from infectious complications during or after hospitalization. In order to keep this number as low as possible, sterility is essential for critical medical devices. But what does “sterile” actually mean?
Sterility is a condition in which a material or object is free of living microorganisms, viruses, bacteria, fungi and yeasts, including their resting stages (e.g. spores).
Legislation has introduced safety precautions through harmonised standards and directives. What sterilization procedures and standards are available, whether sterile barrier systems made of bioplastics meet the requirements and how sustainable the whole process is – ready to take a deepdive?