Tyvek Sterilization Pouch Standards

Tyvek pouches are made by DuPont.

DuPont manufactures Tyvek sterilization pouches. You can sterilize and store instruments in pouches made to fit the contents. Most pre-sterilized pouches have a five-year shelf life.

Tyvek Pouches

Tyvek pouches maintain sterility by forcing air and moisture out. Pouch design keeps the contents from contamination upon opening. Peeling the pouch open does not produce particles and lint that can cause a break in sterile technique. Sealed pouches do not produce any adhesive residue. DuPont Company makes Tyvek products of non-woven fibers it invented.

ISO Standards

The Tyvek pouches comply with the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) by maintaining air permeability, allowing clean-peeling seals and keeping a microbial barrier between the contents and the outside. The pouches are durable enough to prevent heavy instruments from breaking through the package.

Beyond Instrumentation

Tyvek sterilization pouches are used for tissue storage. The pouches preserve transplant tissue such as freeze-dried bone, ligaments and skin grafts viable. According to the National Tissue Bank the Tyvek package standard is to double package and freeze-dry the tissue at -70c.

References

• Dupont: Pouches
• Dupont: DuPont Tyvek® assists compliance with new ISO standards for medical packaging
• International Organization for Standardization ISO: ISO 11607-1:2006
• DuPont: Wrapping the Most Precious Gift of All