"Paper or plastic" has a new meaning when it is related to the disinfection of dental instruments. As a medical device, there are strict standards for the production of sterilization packaging. Sterilization bags are usually made of paper and plastic and are a key component of any sterility assurance.

The goal of the dental infection control program is to reduce the risk of disease transmission and provide a safe environment for everyone working in the dental clinic or dental patients.

ISO performance standards make this clear - the only way to ensure that an item is effectively steam sterilized is to expose it to three sterilization variables - time, temperature and the presence of steam. However, many traditional sterilization bags only have an external type 1 process indicator to confirm exposure to high temperature. Now with advanced technology, the design of a sterilization bag has internal and external multivariable indicators. Please remember that the chemical indicators do not include microbial spores. Therefore, they cannot prove that the bag is sterile. The use of this multivariable bag, combined with weekly biological monitoring, provides a high level of sterility assurance.

There are many factors to consider when choosing packaging materials. The packaging material must be compatible with the sterilizer used (i.e. steam, dry heat, unsaturated chemical steam). It is also noted that some packaging types and materials do not conform to all sterilization methods. The use of incorrect materials may prevent or reduce the penetration of sterilizing agents.

Maintaining the sterility of the instrument after sterilization is an important part of any sterilization procedure, so the quality and durability of sterilization packaging are very important. It is recommended to use medical grade surgical kraft paper and transparent polypropylene / polyester laminated film; As some manufacturers use recycled paper, caution should be taken. The basic weight of surgical kraft paper used for sterilization bag is 40-60 pounds. It only contains approved additives. The porosity is controllable and the pinhole is not greater than 0.5mm. The sterilizer enters through the paper surface of the bag, and the air hole must be effectively closed during the drying process to maintain the sterility of the material. Select bags of appropriate size to prevent overloading of the instrument and help ensure the penetration of bacteria free agents to reduce the chance of tearing; There should be at least 1 inch of space between the top of the instrument or cassette and the seal of the bag.

Since the self sealing bag will expand and contract during sterilization, the self sealing bag is designed as multi side seal and tail seal, and self sealing tape is used to protect the sterility of the environment in the bag. The plastic or laminate side provides strength, tightness and thermal stability. A properly sealed bag is displayed when 50% of the adhesive is covered on the paper and 50% on the laminate. If the adhesive seal is 100% on the laminate, the opening at the top of the bag is not protected, thereby affecting the sterile contents. Before installing the instrument, the bag can be pre folded on the perforated line, because the crease will play a guiding role after removing the protective tape for sealing. Any deviation of the seal may cause gaps and damage the sterility of the package. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before adhering the self seal to the laminate; This will help prevent the seal from bursting during sterilization. The special feature of pressure-sensitive adhesive is that it becomes stronger in the sterilization process and becomes the permanent seal of this single use device.

After sterilization and storage, the clean separation of membrane and paper is very important for the sterility of the contents. The outer layer of the film has been exposed during transportation and storage. If any part of the plastic is still attached to the paper, or the instrument contacts the plastic surface, they will be considered contaminated and must be reprocessed.

There is some controversy about paper or plastic facing up. The best way is to put things on shelves, just like books on shelves. This structure is conducive to the effective circulation and penetration of steam, and is also conducive to the drying process. Bags should not be touched before drying to reduce the chance of bacterial infection.