WHIRL-PAK Sterilization & Shelf Life Information

WHIRL-PAK® Sterilization & Shelf Life Information

Whirl-Pak® bags are sterilized with ethylene oxide gas. Each load goes through a preconditioning, gas injection, and aeration cycle, taking four to five days to complete.

Biological indicators, Bacillus subtilis var. niger spores at nominal populations of 106 spores per unit, are used to verify sterility. These strips are placed on every pallet at the start of the process.

After the gas sterilization phase, they are removed and sent to a laboratory for testing. A certificate of sterility is issued for each load that is tracked by a unique lot number, and references each product number on that load. A copy of this certificate is available upon request.

The shelf life for Whirl-Pak® bags should be at least 10 years if stored in its original or similar carton in ambient conditions. As long as the bags are not opened or damaged and stored in a clean, dry environment, sterility should not be compromised. Like any other sterilized laboratory product, care must be taken in storing and handling Whirl-Pak® bags.

Tom F. Valitchka

Director, Whirl-Pak® Sales

Nasco

920-568-5536, 5736 fax