Method for radiation sterilization of medical devices

摘要

Sterilization of medical devices can be performed by stacking packages containing the medical devices. The packages are arranged in a partially-overlapping orientation which is at an oblique angle to the direction of irradiation. The partially-overlapping orientation and oblique angle are predetermined for high sterilization throughput and tight control of irradiation. Instead arranging the packages directly on a sterilization platform at a sterilization facility, the packages can be stacked in the partially-overlapping orientation into a transport box at a location remote from the sterilization facility. The transport box maintains the orientation of the packages. Thereafter, the transport container is placed on the sterilization platform, which results in greater uniformity in radiation exposure while maintaining a high level of sterilization throughput.

主权项

1. A method of sterilizing medical devices, the method comprising:
placing packages into a transport box, each package containing at least one medical device, the packages partially shielding each other, each package having a corner portion with two exposed corner surfaces that are not shielded by an adjacent package and are out of contact with the transport box, the transport box having an interior space occupied by the packages, the interior space sized to keep the packages from shifting in position within the transport box when the transport box is in a closed state; followed by sending the transport box, with the packages therein, to a sterilization facility, wherein the transport box has a pivoting lid that is movable to a closed position in which the transport box is in the closed state and movable to an open position in which the transport box is in an open state.