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  • 1.  New labeling for sterile barriers

    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
    Posted 10-Jul-2023 09:09
    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

    The new labeling standard includes detailed icons for showing the sterile barrier configuration (solid lines and dashed lines as appropriate).

    It is very clear that the sterile barrier itself should have an appropriate icon detailing the configuration, but what about the outer package?

    For example, if the sterile package includes a single barrier in the form of a blister with Tyvek (i.e. requiring an icon of a single solid line), should the carton box holding it present an icon of a single solid line too? No icon at all (just stating that it is sterile)? 

    Thanks in advance for your help!



  • 2.  RE: New labeling for sterile barriers

    Posted 10-Jul-2023 10:31

    The problem is that in opening a package with multiple levels of packaging, one must stop, initially, at the sterile barrier. Without the symbol, the package opener doesn't know where to stop.

    Consequently, the symbol should appear on the sterile barrier only. Putting it on the outer packaging implies that the outer packaging is the sterile barrier.



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    Dan O'Leary CQA, CQE
    Swanzey NH
    United States
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  • 3.  RE: New labeling for sterile barriers

    Posted 11-Jul-2023 05:10

    Hello Anon,

    When applying the symbols for sterile barriers, always look at it from the users perspective.  As in your example, if the carton box has a solid line that would indicate the carton is the sterile barrier.  The label should have the symbol directly on the packaging levels where the sterile barrier is applied.  This is a fairly newer symbol so many single barrier packaging does not yet have this symbol.  There are some white papers and other information provided by sterilisation industry groups which explains further how these symbols can be applied to different packaging configurations.



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    Richard Vincins ASQ-CQA, MTOPRA, RAC
    Vice President Global Regulatory Affairs
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  • 4.  RE: New labeling for sterile barriers

    Posted 17-Jul-2023 10:02

    Hi Anon,

    just some addiional information: You can find a short description that I found helpful here and the referenced guidance here.

    For your case keeping in mind what Dan and Richard said is a good idea: You want the user to be able to identify the different layers of packaging. So it would probably make sense if the solid line only appears on the actual sterile barrier, while you could mark the protective carton box with the dashed line enclosing the solid line.

    Best regards

    Christoph



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    Christoph Kiesselbach
    Reutlingen
    Germany
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