Method and system for aseptically filling a package
The present invention relates to a method and system for aseptically filling of flexible packages containing dry cloth. Such a method may include a first stage that is performed in a non-sterile environment. The first stage may include cutting a first substantially dry cloth to a predetermined size; inserting the first cloth into a flexible package; sealing a first end of the flexible package; and sterilizing the flexible package. The method may also include a second stage performed in a sterile environment. The second stage may include filling the flexible package with a medical solution such that the substantially dry cloth absorbs at least a portion of the medical solution; and sealing the open end of the flexible package.
1 . A method for aseptically filling a package for medical use comprising:
inserting a substantially dry cloth into a package;
irradiating the package containing the dry cloth;
opening the package;
filling the package with a medical solution such that the substantially dry cloth absorbs at least a portion of the medical solution, the step of filling the package with a medical solution comprising filling the package through an opening created by opening the package; and
sealing the package.
2 . The method of claim 1 further comprising preliminarily at least partially sealing the package prior to irradiating the package.
3 . The method of claim 2 wherein preliminarily sealing the package comprises sealing a first end of the package.
4 . The method of claim 3 wherein preliminarily sealing the package further comprises sealing a second end of the package.
5 . The method of claim 1 wherein opening the package comprises cutting the package.
6 . The method of claim 5 wherein cutting the package comprises removing a sealed edge of the package.
7 . The method of claim 1 wherein opening the package comprises piercing the package.
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein sealing the package comprising sealing a second end of the package subsequent to filling the package with the medical solution.
9 . The method of claim 1 further comprising cutting the dry cloth prior to inserting the dry cloth into the package.
10 . The method of claim 9 wherein cutting the dry cloth comprises cutting the dry cloth from a roll of cloth.
11 . The method of claim 1 further comprising folding the dry cloth prior to inserting the dry cloth into the package.
12 . The method of claim 1 further comprising wrapping the package prior to irradiating the package.
13 . The method of claim 1 further comprising passing the medical solution through a filter.
14 . The method of claim 13 wherein the filter comprises an aseptic filter.
15 . The method of claim 13 wherein the filter comprises a 0.2 μm/0.2 μm sterile filter.
16 . The method of claim 1 wherein the medical solution comprises CHG.
17 . The method of claim 1 wherein the medical solution comprises alcohol.
18 . The method of claim 1 wherein the medical solution comprises one or more antimicrobial agents chosen from povidone iodine, para chloro meta xylenol, benzalkonium chloride, or ethyl alcohol.