Sterilization packaging
Various aspects disclosed relate to a sterilization packaging. The sterilization packaging includes a first major surface that is substantially opaque. The sterilization packaging further includes a second major surface. The sterilization packaging further includes an opaque portion and a substantially transparent portion.
1 . A sterilization packaging comprising:
a first major surface that is substantially opaque and steam-permeable;
an opposed second major surface joined to the first major surface and comprising an opaque steam-permeable portion; and
a substantially transparent portion comprising about 10% total surface area of the second major surface to about 80% total surface area of the second major surface, the substantially transparent portion joined to the opaque portion by a heat seal, an ultrasonic weld, an infrared weld, or a combination thereof;
wherein the substantially transparent portion further comprises an antioxidant, a stabilizer, an antifogging compound, or a combination thereof and is capable of maintaining substantial transparency when exposed to steam at a sterilization temperature of at least 121° C.
2 . The sterilization packaging of claim 1 , wherein the substantially transparent portion comprises about 35% total surface area of the second major surface to about 80% total surface area of the second major surface.
3 . The sterilization packaging of claim 1 , wherein the substantially transparent portion comprises about 60% total surface area of the second major surface to about 80% total surface area of the second major surface.
4 . The sterilization packaging of claim 1 , wherein the first major surface and the opaque portion of the second major surface comprise a steam-permeable nonwoven spunbond polyolefin.
5 . The sterilization packaging of claim 1 , wherein the substantially transparent portion comprises a steam-resistant polyethylene that maintains transparency at sterilization temperatures up to 135° C.
6 . The sterilization packaging of claim 1 , wherein the substantially transparent portion has a rectangular profile or a rounded profile and extends continuously across a majority of the second major surface.
7 . The sterilization packaging of claim 1 , wherein the substantially transparent portion is positioned to provide visual access to at least 70% of an interior space of the sterilization packaging.
8 . The sterilization packaging of claim 1 , further comprising a medical instrument or a pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment disposed therein, and wherein the substantially transparent portion allows a user to make visual confirmation that the medical instrument or the pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment is substantially dry following steam sterilization.
9 . The sterilization packaging of claim 1 , wherein the packaging is configured as a closable bag with an open end, and further comprising a drawstring disposed about the open end.
10 . The sterilization packaging of claim 1 , wherein the first major surface and the opaque portion of the second major surface comprise a polyolefin, a cellulose, or a combination thereof.
11 . The sterilization packaging of claim 5 , wherein the steam-resistant polyethylene maintains transparency at sterilization temperatures up to 140° C.
12 . The sterilization packaging of claim 1 , wherein the substantially transparent portion comprises about 70% total surface area of the second major surface to about 80% total surface area of the second major surface.
13 . The sterilization packaging of claim 1 , wherein the antioxidant, stabilizer, or antifogging compound prevents condensation buildup during steam exposure at sterilization temperatures.
14 . The sterilization packaging of claim 1 , wherein the substantially transparent portion comprises a polypropylene, a polyurethane, a polyethylene, or a combination thereof.
15 . The sterilization packaging of claim 14 , wherein the polyethylene is a low-density polyethylene or a high-density polyethylene.
16 . The sterilization packaging of claim 8 , wherein the substantially transparent portion enables visual confirmation of complete drying of internal surfaces of the medical instrument or the pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment following steam sterilization.
17 . The sterilization packaging of claim 1 , wherein the substantially transparent portion has a rounded profile, a rectangular profile, a square profile, or a triangular profile.
18 . The sterilization packaging of claim 1 , wherein a melting point or glass transition temperature of a material of the first major portion and second major portion is less than or equal to 135° C.
19 . A method of sterilizing a medical instrument or the pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment comprising:
placing the medical instrument or the pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment in the sterilization packaging of claim 8 ;
sealing the sterilization packaging;
exposing the sealed sterilization packaging to steam at a temperature of at least 121° C.; and
visually inspecting the medical instrument or the pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment through the substantially transparent portion to confirm sterilization completion.
20 . The method of claim 19 , wherein the steam is at a temperature of 135° C. or less.