Sterilization is the treatment process that rids materials of possible contaminants, including
microbial life, bacteria, fungi and viruses. In order to limit transmission of these contaminants,
the medical industry requires certain levels of sterilization for all equipment. Common glass
and steel medical products are often suited for a variety of sterilization processes, while
polymer-based products may require specific sterilization methods. Using the incorrect
method for a polymer-based material can damage its overall quality, degrade the structural
integrity, produce harmful by products, and not fully sterilize the product itself.
It’s also important to remember that all polymer products are not the same. A method that’s
perfect for one polymer might completely degrade another. When specifying sterilization
methods for polymer-based medical devices, significant consideration of polymer
properties and chemistry must be employed.
Learn about common medical device sterilization methods in our sterilization brochure.
