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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ..............................................................................................................................................................................2
PART 1 AAMI/ISO Sterilization Validation Guidelines
Sterility Assurance Program Prevalidation Checklist ...............................................................................................................3
How Can I Complete My Validation ASAP? ...........................................................................................................................4
Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Validation Requirements ............................................................................................................5
Gamma or Electron Beam Radiation Sterilization....................................................................................................................9
PART 2 Test Descriptions
Sterilization Process Validation Protocol ...............................................................................................................................13
Sample Item Portion (SIP) Preparation ..................................................................................................................................13
Bioburden Method Validation ................................................................................................................................................14
Bioburden Enumeration..........................................................................................................................................................15
Microbial Identification ..........................................................................................................................................................16
Bacteriostasis/Fungistasis Test ...............................................................................................................................................16
AAMI/ISO Dose Audit...........................................................................................................................................................17
Sterility Testing ......................................................................................................................................................................18
Why Pacific BioLabs Should Conduct Your Dose Audits and Sterility Tests .......................................................................19
Microbial Environmental Monitoring.....................................................................................................................................20
Accelerated Aging Expiration Dating Study .......................................................................................................................23
Real Time Aging Expiration Dating Study .........................................................................................................................23
Package Integrity Testing .......................................................................................................................................................23
Bacterial Endotoxins (LAL) Test ...........................................................................................................................................24
Ethylene Oxide Residuals Analyses .......................................................................................................................................25
Ethylene Oxide Dissipation Studies .......................................................................................................................................26
ISO Guidelines For Sterilant Residues ...................................................................................................................................26
Reusable Medical Device Testing .........................................................................................................................................28
The Pacific BioLabs Advantage .............................................................................................................................................28
Notes .......................................................................................................................................................................................29
Contact Information................................................................................................................................................................29
LAB SERVICES REQUEST Please photocopy the appropriate form at the end of this booklet when
submitting samples for testing.
To view this booklet online, go to P a c i f i c B i o L a b s . c o m .
Rev. 1.2, 12-2010
INTRODUCTION
Sterilization of health care products Ethylene
oxide Part 1: Requirements for the development,
validation, and routine control of a sterilization
process for medical devices, ANSI/AAMI/ISO
11135-1:2007
GMP issues
Sterility and Biocompatibility
510K, PMA, IDE
Electronic Docket /Facts-on-Demand
Publications only
In Vitro Diagnostic Products
Page 2 of 29
Page 3 of 29
Submit bacteriostasis/fungistasis(B/F)
samples early. The B/F test requires three to
six sterile samples sterilized using the same
process you will use on your final product.
The B/F test sometimes fails initially causing
the need for additional testing. This is a
frequent source of delay in validation projects.
Page 4 of 29
OVERKILL METHOD
(AAMI/ISO 11135 METHOD C)
The overkill method is most commonly used to
validate ethylene oxide cycles used in the
sterilization of medical devices. The overkill
method is based on demonstrating that the
sterilization of a microbial challenge (biological
indicator) exceeds the challenge posed by the
bioburden of the product.
Bioburden Enumeration
The bioburden level of the product must be
determined. For most products, aerobic bacteria
and fungi bioburden are appropriate. AAMI/ISO
recommends the testing of 10 samples from each
of three production lots. It is most appropriate to
sample the production lots that will be used in the
three validation cycles. The bioburden samples
may be selected to represent various production or
packaging times. The samples should be collected
immediately prior to sterilization. Please see page
15 for more details.
Validation Protocol
For an initial validation, a protocol should be
prepared which outlines the overall validation
requirements. The protocol should describe the
medical device and specify the test procedures
that will be used. Please see page 13 for more
details.
Bacteriotasis/Fungistasis Test
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Microbial Challenge
Use of Biological Indicators
The ISO/AAMI guideline recommends
calculating the appropriate quantity of B.I.
challenge locations based on usable chamber
volume as follows: 20 B.I.s for the first 5 m3 of
chamber volume, 2 B.I.s for each additional m3
between 5 m3 and 10 m3 and then 1 B.I. for each
m3 beyond 10 m3. An unexposed positive control
B.I. should be sent to the lab with each group of
exposed B.I.s.
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EO CYCLE PARAMETERS
AND MONITORING
All EO cycles must be run using sterilization
equipment that has been calibrated and for which
IQ and OQ processes have been completed.
Verify equipment status with the contract
sterilizer before initiating the validation cycles.
The parameters for the fractional, half and full
cycles must be established in consultation with the
contract sterilizer. During validation cycles, the
temperature of the product at several widely
distributed locations should be monitored and
compared with the chamber control temperature.
The monitored locations should include
somewhere product with B.I. test samples are
located. The sterilizer chamber EO concentration
and the chamber and product humidity should also
be monitored.
Microbial Validation Sample Processing
Each cycle load is preconditioned for the
designated minimum time and then processed in
the sterilizer chamber using the previously defined
parameters. The product (if applicable) and B.I.
test samples must be removed from the load either
before aeration or after the minimum routine
aeration time. The test samples should be sent to
Pacific BioLabs for sterility testing via same day
or next day delivery service.
1 or more fractional cycles products and B.I.s
(internal and, if desired, external) to be tested
for sterility
3 half cycles B.I.s (internal and, if desired,
external) to be tested for sterility
3 full cycles B.I.s (internal or, if applicable,
external) to be tested for sterility
For the full cycles, data from the first 3 routine
processing loads will be included to support the
initial EO sterilization validation. The microbial
validation is acceptable if the sterility test results
for the product in the fractional cycle are negative
and all of the B.I.s from the half cycle are
negative (B.I. positive results in the fractional
cycle are expected). The sterility testing of B.I.s
from full cycles must verify half cycle results.
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Revalidation
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RADIATION STERILIZATION
ANSI/AAMI/ISO METHODS
ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11137-2 Method 1 (For Large
and Frequent Production Batches)
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RADIATION STERILIZATION
VALIDATION STAGES
VALIDATION PROTOCOL
For the initial validation, a protocol outlining the
overall validation requirements must be generated.
The protocol should define the device (or product
family) and specify the test procedures that will be
used. Please see page 13 for additional
information.
Please submit one sample to Pacific BioLabs
for evaluation.
Sample item portion (SIP) Preparation
For some large devices, it may be necessary to use
a simulated, scaled-down version of the product
for bioburden testing and the verification dose
resistance experiment. For complex devices,
disassembly and/or sectioning may be required
prior to irradiation and testing. Each product must
be evaluated individually to determine an
appropriate SIP preparation procedure. The
number of samples required for SIP preparation is
the total of that required for bioburden and
sterility test method validation, bioburden
enumeration, and the verification dose resistance
experiment. Please see page 13 for additional
information.
Bioburden Method Recovery Validation
The method that will be used for routine
determination of product bioburden levels must be
validated to insure that it is effective in recovering
microorganisms from the product and that it
allows for adequate growth of the recovered
microorganisms. The original validation data and
any subsequent revalidation data shall be
reviewed at specified intervals in accordance with
documented procedure. Typically validating the
bioburden test method involves two phases of
testing: adverse substance screening and recovery
testing. Please see page 14 for more details.
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Bacteriostasis/Fungistasis Test
Page 11 of 29
Positives
Observed
100
02
100
>2
The verification is not acceptable. This method of dose setting is not valid
and an alternate method for establishing and sterilization dose shall be used.
Samples
Tested
Positives
Observed
AAMI/ISO 15844
Acceptance and Action Criteria
100
02
100
Samples
Tested
Positives
Observed
VDmax Method
Acceptance and Action Criteria
10
01
Validation testing results are acceptable. The selected dose is validated for
the production lot (for a single lot validation) or for 3 months if 3 lots were
tested for bioburden.
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STERILIZATION PROCESS
VALIDATION PROTOCOL
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Page 14 of 29
BIOBURDEN ENUMERATION
Bioburden is the population of microorganisms on
a raw material, product component or finished
medical device just prior to sterilization. For
finished medical devices, the bioburden test data
is used to establish parameters for an effective
sterilization process. To insure the ongoing safety
of the sterilization process, it is necessary to
verify that the bioburden level remains consistent
over time. There are two important aspects of
product bioburden control maintaining
consistency from lot to lot and avoiding spikes
within a single lot. A bioburden spike occurs
when the bioburden for an individual product is 2
or more times greater than the group average. A
significant increase in the device bioburden would
reduce the sterility assurance level of the
sterilization process.
For new medical devices, ten randomly selected
samples from three separate newly manufactured
lots should be tested for bioburden. It is useful to
track samples by date and time of assembly or
packaging to determine when and where any
inconsistencies may be occurring. After initial
data is generated, bioburden tests should be
conducted monthly to quarterly, depending on
frequency and volume of production, as part of an
ongoing environmental monitoring program. It is
also important to check bioburden levels
whenever any changes are made in packaging
locations, manufacturing processes, raw material
vendors, or personnel involved with production.
If bioburden data increases significantly or shows
extreme variability, the manufacturing process
should be investigated so that corrective measures
can be implemented.
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MICROBIAL IDENTIFICATION
BACTERIOSTASIS/FUNGISTASIS TEST
Page 16 of 29
Notes: To expedite processing of your dose audit samples, please call us prior to sending samples so
that we can schedule your tests.
Some samples are difficult to aseptically cut and transfer to media containers. If possible,
please include 3 to 5 additional samples with your dose audit sample submission.
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STERILITY TESTING
Sterility testing of products and/or biological
indicators (i.e. spore strips) exposed to a
sterilizaion process is an important part of all
sterility assurance programs. Most manufacturers
of EO sterilized medical devices monitor their
validated EO sterilization loads with
B. atrophaeus spore strips and release their
products for distribution based on negative
sterility test results of the spore strips. The spore
strips may be placed inside or outside the product
depending on the type of spore strip testing
performed during the validation. The spore strips
should be distributed in locations throughout the
sterilization chamber. A positive control
(i.e. unprocessed spore strip) should be included
with all spore strip sterility tests. These routine
sterility tests must be supplemented periodically
with more extensive cycle validations.
Routine lot release of terminally sterilized medical
devices by means of end product sterility testing is
not recommended for several reasons. The
bioburden of most medical devices generally is a
lesser challenge to the sterilization process than
biological indicators, and overkill cannot be
demonstrated. Statistically, the probability that a
sterility test of 20 or 40 product samples will
detect nonsterile samples among a much larger
number of products is very limited. Also, it is
generally recognized that the process of sterility
testing has a significantly lower sterility assurance
level than most validated terminal sterilization
processes. However, end product sterility testing
of medical devices is occasionally performed as
part of investigations or to support other
information in making a lot release decision.
Page 18 of 29
Over 25 years of experience providing sterility testing services for medical device and pharmaceutical
manufacturers.
Pacific BioLabs' proximity to radiation contract sterilization facilities minimizes sample shipment time
and expense. Pick-up service is available at some sterilization facilities.
Pacific BioLabs works closely with contract sterilizers to expedite the processing of your samples.
Pacific BioLabs has extensive standard operating procedures covering all aspects of sterility testing
operations.
Samples for lot release are put on test within 2 days of sample receipt.
Samples are monitored daily. Clients are immediately advised by phone or email should growth occur.
Growth occurring in sterility tests is thoroughly investigated using genotypic microbial identification
systems.
Reports with test results are faxed, emailed, and/or mailed the day required incubation ends.
Pacific BioLabs has a dedicated cleanroom sterility testing suite. The suite is constantly maintained under
positive pressure that cascades from core cleanroom to a gowning room to a sample disinfection room to an
ambient pressure entrance area. Sterility testing is performed in HEPA filtered hoods by fully gowned test
technicians. All media used in sterility testing is steam sterilized in validated autoclave cycles. Each batch
of media is tested for growth promotion. The temperature in all chambers used to incubate samples is
continuously monitored by a Rees Scientific Facilities Monitoring System which provides audible and phone
alerts in the event of temperature excursions beyond defined parameters.
Page 19 of 29
MICROBIAL ENVIRONMENTAL
MONITORING
Medical device manufacturers use microbial
environmental monitoring programs to evaluate
the effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection
procedures and to assess the overall microbial
cleanliness of their manufacturing environment.
An effective program to control microorganism
levels in the manufacturing environment is
essential to minimize the bioburden on the
medical device being manufactured and reduce
potential for bioburden spikes. Spikes in the
bioburden of finished medical devices can cause a
reduction in the sterility assurance level for the
product.
Air and surface samples are taken during routine
production operations to obtain a microbiological
profile of the manufacturing environment.
Observation of work practices are made during the
survey. Test data and other information are
evaluated to determine what actions can be taken
to reduce or stabilize the bioburden of the medical
device. Once an intensive survey has been
conducted and strategic sampling locations are
determined, samples can be taken by the
manufacturer's personnel on a regular schedule.
Pacific BioLabs can provide the necessary
supplies for microbiological sampling. Exposed
materials are returned to Pacific BioLabs for
enumeration and reporting.
If any major changes are made at the facility or in
the manufacturing process, or if product
bioburden levels increase significantly, a reevaluation of environmental conditions should be
conducted. For additional information about
environmental monitoring, refer to USP general
chapter <1116> Microbiological Evaluation of
Clean Rooms and other Controlled Environments
or PDA TR 13 (revised 2001) Fundamentals of a
Microbiological Environmental Monitoring
Program.
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DEVICE CLASSIFICATION
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Page 28 of 29
NOTES
Page 29 of 29
Client Info
Phone
Fax
P.O.
Quote
Test Article ID (Please use the exact wording you want to appear in the final report.)
Quantity
Lot No.
Storage Conditions
20 to 25C
Controlled Substance
No
Hazardous
Code
2 to 8C
Yes
16 to 24C
Schedule
No
Yes
Type of Hazard
No
Yes
Carrier
Regulatory Treatment
cGMP
GLP
60 to 80C
(Please include MSDS if samples are hazardous. Client will incur charges for disposal of hazards.)
(Client will incur charges for shipping and handling.)
No
Service
Paper
Non-regulatory
Yes
Account #
No
Yes
All paper records will be scanned and stored at PBL indefinitely by a system that is validated to comply with GMP and GLP regulations.
Paper records will be stored by PBL at no charge for the first year after study completion. If no options are selected, default options will take
effect. Extended storage will be invoiced annually per Fee Schedule at www.PacificBioLabs.com/archivefeeschedule.asp.
Non GLP
RPT
GLP
RPT
Archive Options
Discard (after one year) Non-GLP Default
Return to Client (after one year) GLP Default (Shipping charges apply)
Return Immediately to Client (at study completion) (Shipping charges apply)
Extended Storage by PBL (after one year) - Invoiced annually for continued PBL retention.
Client Default Previously selected options by Client
Radiation
Validation
Dose Audit
Steam Cycle
Fractional Cycle
kGy)
Test
EO
kGy)
kGy)
Vacuum
Gravity
Liquid
Half Cycle
Half Cycle (C
, min
Full/Production Cycle
Full Cycle (C
, min
Other
Validation Bacteriostasis/Fungistasis:
Membrane Filtration
Sample Type :
Parenteral
Production Lot Size:
Antibiotic
Ophthalmic/ Other Noninjectable
Volume Per Container:
Radiation
CFR
EO
Filtration
Device
Steam
Other
Membrane Filtration:
Product Only- Steritest
Other Tests/Services:
Bio Indicator Population Verification Label Claim Verification OR
Validation Protocol
Sample Item Portion Preparation (SIP)
Page 2 of 2
DATE: _____________
Client Info
Phone
Fax
P.O.
Quote
Test Article ID (Please use the exact wording you want to appear in the final report.)
Quantity
Lot No.
Code
Storage Conditions
20 to 25C
2 to 8C
16 to 24C
Controlled Substance
No
Yes
Schedule
Hazardous
No
Yes
Type of Hazard
Yes
Carrier
60 to 80C
(Please include MSDS if samples are hazardous. Client will incur charges for disposal of hazards.)
No
Account #
Completed
Sterility Status
Non-Sterile
N/A
Regulatory Treatment
No
cGMP
GLP
Non-regulatory
FDA
European Union
Other
Purpose of Testing:
510K
IND
Other
Service
To be completed by sponsor
No
Yes
No
Report Format
Paper
Yes
(First format NC, $6.00 for each additional.)
All paper records will be scanned and stored at PBL indefinitely by a system that is validated to comply with GMP and GLP regulations.
Paper records will be stored by PBL at no charge for the first year after study completion. If no options are selected, default options will take
effect. Extended storage will be invoiced annually per Fee Schedule at www.PacificBioLabs.com/archivefeeschedule.asp.
Non GLP
RPT
GLP
RPT
Archive Options
Discard (after one year) Non-GLP Default
Return to Client (after one year) GLP Default (Shipping charges apply)
Return Immediately to Client (at study completion) (Shipping charges apply)
Extended Storage by PBL (after one year) - Invoiced annually for continued PBL retention.
Validation
Page 1 of 2
Test Procedure
Pharmaceutical
Medical Device
Method
Liquids specify limit
Method
Immersion
Exhaustive Fluid Path
Limit
20 EU
2.15 EU (limit for cerebral spinal fluid)
Other specify limit
Page 2 of 2
DATE: _____________