Hi, At the hospital I work at we daily test the heat sealer by using commercial test strips. Australian standards say that the heat sealer is to be tested daily (pre and post) but does not state to use commercial strips. Can anyone tell me what they are doing elsewhere as these strips are very expensive.

Thank you, Debbie

Dear Debbie,

Concerning the daily test to check the sealer parameters, it is true that the Seal Check test (paper) is today the easiest way to do it.
However, some other CSSD are using the "Methylen Blue" test by placing the blue liquid on the top part of the sealed packaging. (Above the Seal)
If no liquid passes through the sealing made with the machine, that means you have a "perfect seal".
This test was used in many CSSD over Europe but the "Seal Check" paper test is now very poplular for many reasons:

• Easier to handle (Blue Methylen is not easy to carry)
• Possibility to keep it as a proof for the daily sealing process
• In case of problem, the interpretation of the Seal Check can give informations for the sealer maintenance
• Easier to store than "Blue Methylen" bottles for a daily use

New testing materials are now also available on the market like electronic test connectable to the sealer, etc.....

Best Regards

Michael Fangon
Marketing Manager
Amcor Flexibles / SPS

Dear Debbie,

It will be really the easiest way to test the sealers with the daily seal check but of course this test method cannot be documented electronically.

The new ISO 11607 (The FDIS ill appear in the 2nd quarter of 2004) standard will give more details about the verification and validation of heat sealers. There are standardized test methods in the market (e.g. EN 868-5 or ASTM F88) which fulfills the requirements of ISO 11607 (e.g. the peel tester ht 150 SCD invented by hawo www.hawo.com). This is a seal strenght tester which is able to record the test results electronically for the documentation.

Please contact me personally to receive more information ( ).

Furthermore an article about testing and validation of heat sealing processes in accordance with the AS/NZS 4187:2003 will appear in the next SRACA magazine.

With the very best regards and Merry Christmas

Christian Wolf
General Manager
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hawo GmbH
Obere Au 2-4
74847 Obrigheim / Germany

T +49 (0) 6261 9770-10
F +49 (0) 6261 9770-51
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