Header Artwork

Find a test

Sterilization Validation – Reuse Device

Sterility Assurance Level (SAL) test at Nelson Labs, Salt Lake City location


What is Sterilization Validation Testing for Reusable Devices? 

The Sterilization Validation test for reusable devices confirms the appropriate Sterility Assurance Level (SAL), dry time, and thermoprofiling of the medical device. The testing establishes the pertinent sterilization parameters for health care processing instructions. Based on the data obtained through testing, the manufacturer will be able to provide health care facilities with validated sterilization parameters. Nelson Labs can validate the following modalities for sterilization; moist heat (gravity or prevacuum), ethylene oxide (EO), and dry heat. Our test validates individual devices, implants, trays, kits, reusable devices, or other devices processed at a health care facility.

Nelson Labs has the equipment and qualified personnel to help guide you through the sterilization validation test process. Our experts will provide individualized consultation and are here to help simplify the complex regulatory and standard recommendations.

We also offer cleaning validations which test the recommended cleaning procedure for a reusable device according to AAMI TIR12, AAMI TIR30, ISO 17664, and the FDA guidance document “Reprocessing Medical Devices in Health Care Settings: Validation Methods and Labeling.”  This validation is necessary to assure that once the device has been used, it can be properly cleaned.

Applicable Standards

  • AAMI TIR12
  • AAMI ST79
  • AAMI ST77
  • ISO 17665
  • ISO 17664
  • ISO 11135

 

Study Outline

Steam Sterilization Sterility Assurance Level testing: The testing validates the recommended gravity and/or prevacuum steam sterilization parameters for the medical device. Nelson Labs validates individual devices, implants, trays, kits, or other reusable devices. Typically, a Sterility Assurance Level (SAL) of 106 is validated using the biological indicator overkill method. Along with the SAL validation it is recommended to perform dry time validation testing and internal temperature mapping may be appropriate. Dry time testing ensures that after the sterilization cycle, the packaging and the device(s) are not wet. Moisture may compromise the sterile properties of the packaged device. Temperature mapping profiles the temperature inside the containment device and demonstrates the heating properties of the device.

Testing Locations

  • Salt Lake City, UT, USA
  • Leuven, Belgium

Learn more about our locations and their certifications.

Contact Us

If you have additional questions about Sterilization Validation – Reuse Device testing, or would like to consult with the experts at Nelson Labs, just send us a request or call us at +1 (801) 290-7500.