ISO/TC 198/WG 1 - Industrial ethylene oxide sterilization

This document provides guidance on the requirements of ISO 11135 that apply when parametric release is used to release the product after exposure to the sterilization process. It provides a path for transition of existing cycles, as well as a path for the development and implementation of a parametric release specification for a new cycle. Additionally, it highlights the importance and interrelationship of other process factors, i.e. load configuration and equipment performance, which influence reproducibility of an ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization process. NOTE For ease of reference, the numbering of clauses in this document corresponds to that in the normative parts of ISO 11135. No additional guidance is offered for processes where the declaration of adequacy of the validated sterilization cycle includes a requirement for no growth in biological indicators (BIs) exposed to that process.

ISO 11135:2014 specifies requirements for the development, validation and routine control of an ethylene oxide sterilization process for medical devices in both the industrial and health care facility settings, and it acknowledges the similarities and differences between the two applications.

ISO/TS 11135-2:2008 provides guidance for the requirements in ISO 11135-1:2007. It does not repeat the requirements and is not intended to be used in isolation. The exclusions in ISO 11135-1 apply also to this Technical Specification. This guidance document is intended for people who have a basic knowledge of the principles of EO sterilization but may need help in determining how to best meet the requirements contained in ISO 11135-1. This document is not intended for people lacking a basic knowledge of the principles of EO sterilization.

ISO 11135-1:2007 specifies requirements for the development, validation and routine control of an ethylene oxide sterilization process for medical devices. Sterilization processes validated and controlled in accordance with the requirements of ISO 11135-1:2007 are not assumed to be effective in inactivating the causative agents of spongiform encephalopathies such as scrapie, bovine spongiform encephalopathy and Creutzfeld Jacob disease. Specific recommendations have been produced in particular countries for the processing of materials potentially contaminated with these agents.

Establishes requirements and guidance. Particular attention is drawn to the need for specific testing for safety, quality and efficacy, possibly exceeding the general requirements, which may be necessary for a specific product. Attention is drawn to the existence in some countries of regulations laying down safety requirements for handling ethylene oxide and for premises in which it is used as well as of regulations laying down limits for the level of ethylene oxide residues within medical devices and products.