Source: Link Testing Instruments co.,ltd
Medical packaging comes in various forms, such as bags, bottles, tubes, gas-filled packages, aseptic packages, strip packages and child-resistant packages, etc., even so, most of them are made of flexible materials and contain a certain amount of gases inside. For instance, gas-filled packages are usually used for liquid and powder-formed drugs and medicines to guarantee the efficacy. In sterilization or transportation process, the gases will be internally pressurized the package and its sealed edges because of heat or compression. If the package doesn’t have sufficient internal pressurization resistance, it may be deformed or even broken. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the internal pressurization resistance of the medical packaging to reduce the breakage ratio.
Figure 1. Common Forms of Medical Packaging
Test method mentioned in this article is based on ASTM F1140: Standard Test Methods of Internal Pressurization Failure Resistance of Unrestrained Packages and ISO 11607 Packaging for Terminally Sterilized Medical Devices
Specimens
Infusion bags provided by one manufacturer of medical apparatus
Testing Instrument
Link Testing LTMFY-06S Leak and Seal Strength Detector
Figure 2. LTMFY-06S Leak and Seal Strength Detector
Summary of Test Methods
Test Procedures
Condition the samples at 23℃, 50%RH for at least 48 hours.
1. Burst Test
(1) Paste a sealing gasket on the center of the sample surface. Insert the probe into the sample through the sealing gasket. Make sure the other parts of the sample not damaged by the probe.
(2) Select burst test mode. Press Test button to start the test. Then the sample will be inflated by injection of gas until the sample ruptures. Record the pressure value and mark the position where the sample ruptures.
2. Creep Test
Insert the probe into the sample with procedures in 1.(1). Select creep test mode and set test pressure and pressure maintaining time and other parameters. Press Test button. Then the sample will be injected with gas until specified pressure is achieved. Then the system will start timing. When timing is finished, observe whether the sample ruptures and record the position where it ruptures.
3. Creep to Failure Test
Insert the probe into the sample with procedures in 1.(1). Select creep-to-failure test mode and set test pressure. Press Test button. The sample will be inflated by injection of gas with specified pressure. The system will start timing. Record the time used from start to the rupture occurs.
Test Results
Conclusion
The medical packaging should have sufficient internal pressurization resistance; otherwise, the packaging may be liable to be broken during sterilization and transportation process. The heat seal of sealing edges and flexibility are the factors that may influence the internal pressurization resistance of medical packaging. Link Testing LTMFY-06S Leak and Seal Strength Detector is an intelligent and multiple functioned equipment. It can be used for Bubble Emission Leak Test (ASTM F2096) as well as the tests mentioned in this article based on standards ASTM F1140, ASTM 2054. Test pressure of this equipment can be widely customized from 600kPa to 1.6MPa (87psi ~232psi). It is also equipped with professional software for uniform and systematic management of test results and test reports.
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