Which is the correct way to place laminate/paper pouches in the steriliser? The Australian Standard recommends paper to laminate however our supplier/manufacturerof laminate pouches (Europe) recommends they be positioned upright, laminate to laminate. Confused.

Hi,

In Ireland we represent both Getinge (Autoclave Manufacturer) and also Amcor (Bag/Pouch Manufacturer) and it has always been our advice that like surfaces should be put together i.e. paper to paper and laminate to laminate. Hope that this helps.

Regards

Sean Kenny
Manepa Ltd.

Hi

A sterilization process consist: the goods to be sterilized, the packaging, & the autoclave.
The operator (or supervisor) is responsible to interface the three, (Study, develop the process, and validate it)
In case of Laminate/paper pouch (and the goods) every step is a challenge because the involved materials properties differs dramatically each from the other. Other variants affect the process too.
Using litrature and others expiriance is correct, but the final decision is always yours. The responsibility is yours too!
Conclusion: Study, develop and validate your "unique typical" cycle.

wishing you a great day
miki

Hi,

Totally agree with Miki. Please look at my answer to Q00310 too to find the perspective of packaging materials

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

I also agree with miki, it is up to you as a supervisor to test and chalenge all possible ways to sterilize peel-pouches.

My SPD Dept. in Canada sterilizes these pouches standing on their side, paper to plastic in a wire basket.

We have also sterilized them lying down, paper side up. We found both of these methods to be just as effective as the other.

Hope that helps?.

Cheers,
Jeremy