Hi,
Im Urologyst from PERU, my question is referent to Crepe Paper (Cellulose) and the standard EN 868. In my country uses crepe paper for sterilization and tyvek type pouches.
I have a controversial with the nurses of Sterilization room because sometimes she uses crepe paper very slim, and i dont believe this product have 70 gr x Mt 2. The nurses says all crepe papers are equals, and i dont believe that.I believe the problem is sometimes the hospital buys normal crepe paper and other times buys medical crepe paper.
I understand the minimal requirements for medical paper in the EN 868 is 70 gr x MT 2 (Square meter), but i dont have a copy of EN 868 to demostration this point, and to rectificate this malpractice
please if its possible you can send to me a copy of this standard EN 868
thanks and best reguards.

Dear Dr.Delgado,

You are totally right that different packaging materials can differ in quality and performance a lot. The mass of the material is one of the factors affecting the bacteria barrier properties for example.
In EN868-2:1999, Sterilization wrap, the average mass of 1 m2 of the conditioned wrap when tested in accordance with ISO 536 shall be within +/- 5 % of the nominal value stated by the manufacturer. It means that it does not state the minimum mass at all - but to reach other requirements of the norm e.g. tearing resistance, bursting & tensile strength, air permeance, water repellency, surface absorbency etc. the material should reach certain limit.
You can find the differences of qualities by checking the product data information supplied by the manufacturers and find the best possible material for your need.

Best regards
WIPAK MEDICAL
Anneli Haikonen, Product Manager, Health Care Products
www.wipak.com