CEN/TC 102 - Sterilizers for medical purposes

2021-11-09-JO-Following roundtable discussion on 2021-11-09 between EC desk officer, CCMC and CEN/TC 102, it was agreed that the assessment at ENQ will be performed by the Medical Device EC desk officer for a finale assessment at Enquiry. If positive, CEN/TC 102 may decide to skip the Formal Vote and proceed to publication.

2021-11-09-JO-Following roundtable discussion on 2021-11-09 between EC desk officer, CCMC and CEN/TC 102, it was agreed that the assessment at ENQ will be performed by the Medical Device EC desk officer for a finale assessment at Enquiry. If positive, CEN/TC 102 may decide to skip the Formal Vote and proceed to publication.

This document specifies requirements and test methods for materials, preformed sterile barrier systems, sterile barrier systems and packaging systems that are intended to maintain sterility of terminally sterilized medical devices until the point of use.
It is applicable to industry, to health care facilities, and to wherever medical devices are placed in sterile barrier systems and sterilized.
It does not cover all requirements for sterile barrier systems and packaging systems for medical devices that are manufactured aseptically. Additional requirements can be necessary for drug/device combinations.
It does not describe a quality assurance system for control of all stages of manufacture.
It does not apply to packaging materials and/or systems used to contain a contaminated medical device during transportation of the item to the site of reprocessing or disposal.

This document specifies requirements for the development and validation of processes for packaging medical devices that are terminally sterilized. These processes include forming, sealing and assembly of preformed sterile barrier systems, sterile barrier systems and packaging systems.
It is applicable to industry, to health care facilities, and to wherever medical devices are packaged and sterilized.
It does not cover all requirements for packaging medical devices that are manufactured aseptically. Additional requirements can be necessary for drug/device combinations.

This document specifies the performance requirements and test methods for hollow devices and porous devices as well as the chemical indicators and biological indicators that are utilized within these devices for testing a specific steam penetration performance of type B cycles and some type S cycles of small steam sterilizers according to EN 13060.
NOTE      The hollow and porous devices described in this document are not intended for use as surrogate devices for hollow and porous medical devices used in health care facilities.
a)    Chemical indicators used with a porous device specified in this document are designed to demonstrate the adequacy of steam penetration into a porous device in small steam sterilizers (see EN 13060).
This document specifies the requirements for:
—    a reference porous device (RPD) as a reference device by which alternative porous indicator systems (APISs) can be shown to be equivalent in performance according to this document, i.e. a textile test pack in which steam penetration is judged by thermometric means;
—    an alternative porous chemical indicator system equivalent in performance to the RPD, i.e. an APIS, usually commercially manufactured, of any design.
b)    Chemical indicators used with a hollow load device specified in this document are designed to demonstrate the adequacy of steam penetration into a narrow lumen (previously known as hollow load A) in small steam sterilizers (see EN 13060).
This document specifies the requirements for:
—    a reference hollow device (RHD) used as a reference device in this document, i.e. a lumened device with attached capsule in which steam penetration is judged by inactivation or survival of a specified biological indicator;
—    an alternative hollow device:
—    employing the same specific test load as defined for the RHD and a chemical indicator designed specifically for use in the reference hollow test load, i.e. a lumened device with an attached capsule in which steam penetration is judged by visual examination of a chemical indicator;
—    equivalent in performance to the RHD, i.e. an alternative hollow device, usually commercially manufactured, of any design.

This European Standard specifies requirements and the relevant tests for large steam sterilizers primarily used in health care for the sterilization of medical devices and their accessories contained in one or more sterilization modules. The test loads described in this European Standard are selected to represent the majority of loads (i.e. wrapped goods consisting of metal, rubber and porous materials) for the evaluation of general purpose steam sterilizers for medical devices. However, specific loads (e.g. heavy metal objects or long and/or narrow lumen) will require the use of other test loads.
This European Standard applies to steam sterilizers designed to accommodate at least one sterilization module or having a chamber volume of at least 60 l.
Large steam sterilizers can also be used during the commercial production of medical devices.
This European Standard does not specify requirements for equipment intended to use, contain or be exposed to flammable substances or substances which could cause combustion. This European Standard does not specify requirements for equipment intended to process biological waste or human tissues.
This European Standard does not describe a quality management system for the control of all stages of the manufacture of the sterilizer.
NOTE 1   Attention is drawn to the standards for quality management systems e.g. EN ISO 13485.
NOTE 2   Environmental aspects are addressed in Annex A.

This document specifies procedures and test methods used to demonstrate the cleaning efficacy of washer-disinfectors (WD) and their accessories intended to be used for cleaning of reusable medical devices.
NOTE 1   The requirements can be used for washer-disinfectors intended for use with other articles used in the context of medical, dental, laboratory, pharmaceutical and veterinary practice.
NOTE 2   This document does not apply to the activities to be performed by the manufacturers of reusable medical devices.

1.1  This document specifies the requirements for a test method to be utilized to establish or confirm a reduced incubation time (RIT) that is shorter than the 7-day reference incubation time specified in 7.3.2 of ISO 11138-1:2017 for biological indicators used to monitor moist heat sterilization processes or ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization processes.
NOTE: For biological indicators used for EO sterilization, the stated RIT is applicable to 100 % EO processes or processes that use EO blends, regardless of the product load.
1.2  This document is applicable to manufacturers of biological indicators (BIs) and to end users of BIs who intend to, if required by their quality system, establish, validate or confirm a RIT.
1.3  This document does not apply to biological indicators used to monitor dry heat, low temperature steam formaldehyde (LTSF) or vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VH2O2) sterilization processes.
NOTE      The method described in this document to establish a RIT for biological indicators used to monitor moist heat or EO sterilization processes has been used extensively for many years. However, there is limited experience in use of this method to establish a RIT for biological indicators used to monitor dry heat, low temperature steam formaldehyde or vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization processes. This document, therefore, does not include these sterilization processes.

This document provides guidance for the application of the requirements contained in ISO 11607-1 and ISO 11607-2. It does not add to, or otherwise change, the requirements of ISO 11607-1 and ISO 11607-2. This is an informative document, not normative. It does not include requirements to be used as basis of regulatory inspection or certification assessment activities.
The guidance can be used to better understand the requirements of ISO 11607-1 and ISO 11607-2 and illustrates the variety of methods and approaches available for meeting the requirements of those International Standards. It is not required that this document be used to demonstrate conformity with them.
Guidance is given for evaluation, selection and use of packaging materials, preformed sterile barrier systems, sterile barrier systems and packaging systems. Guidance on validation requirements for forming, sealing and assembly processes is also given.
This document provides information for both healthcare facilities and the medical devices industry for terminally sterilized medical devices.
This document does not provide guidance for applications of packaging materials and systems after their opening. In the use of packaging for other purposes such as a “sterile field” or transport of contaminated items, other regulatory standards will apply.

This document specifies requirements for electrically heated steam boilers manufactured from stainless steel specifically dedicated for generating steam for sterilizers and disinfectors.
This document covers only steam boilers that are heated by immersion heaters and which have a maximum allowable pressure (PS) of not greater than 6 bar, a maximum volume (V) of 1 000 litres and a product of PS ∙ V not greater than 3 000 bar ∙ l.

This document specifies requirements and test methods for materials, preformed sterile barrier systems, sterile barrier systems and packaging systems that are intended to maintain sterility of terminally sterilized medical devices until the point of use.
It is applicable to industry, to health care facilities, and to wherever medical devices are placed in sterile barrier systems and sterilized.
It does not cover all requirements for sterile barrier systems and packaging systems for medical devices that are manufactured aseptically. Additional requirements can be necessary for drug/device combinations.
It does not describe a quality assurance system for control of all stages of manufacture.
It does not apply to packaging materials and/or systems used to contain a contaminated medical device during transportation of the item to the site of reprocessing or disposal.

This document specifies requirements for the development and validation of processes for packaging medical devices that are terminally sterilized. These processes include forming, sealing and assembly of preformed sterile barrier systems, sterile barrier systems and packaging systems.
It is applicable to industry, to health care facilities, and to wherever medical devices are packaged and sterilized.
It does not cover all requirements for packaging medical devices that are manufactured aseptically. Additional requirements can be necessary for drug/device combinations.

This document specifies the particular requirements, including performance criteria for washer-disinfectors (WD) that are intended to be used for cleaning and chemical disinfection of thermolabile endoscopes.
This document also specifies the performance requirements for the cleaning and disinfection of the washer-disinfector and its components and accessories which can be required to achieve the necessary performance criteria.
The methods, instrumentation and instructions required for type testing, works testing, validation (installation, operational and performance qualification on first installation), routine control and monitoring, and requalification of WD periodically and after essential repairs, are also specified.
NOTE 1    In addition, Annex A gives guidance on an appropriate division of responsibility for the range of activities covered by this document.
NOTE 2    WD complying with this document can also be used for cleaning and chemical disinfection of other thermolabile re-usable medical devices for which the device manufacturer has recommended and validated this method of disinfection.
WD complying with the requirements of this document are not intended for cleaning and disinfection of medical devices, including endoscopic accessories, which are heat stable and can be disinfected or sterilized by thermal methods (see ISO 15883-1:2006+Amd 1:2014, 4.1.5).
The specified performance requirements of this document do not ensure the inactivation or removal of the causative agent(s) (prion protein) of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.
NOTE 3    If it is considered that prion protein might be present, particular care is needed in the choice of cleaning agents and disinfectants to ensure that the chemicals used do not react with the prion protein and/or other protein in a manner that can inhibit its removal or inactivation from the load or washer-disinfector.
NOTE 4    This document can be used by prospective purchasers and manufacturers as the basis of agreement on the specification of the WD, manufacturers of endoscopes, cleaning products, and disinfecting products.

This document provides guidance for the selection, use and interpretation of results from application of biological indicators when used in the development, validation and routine monitoring of sterilization processes.
It does not consider those processes that rely solely on physical removal of microorganisms, e.g. filtration.
It is not applicable to combination processes using, for example, washer-disinfectors or flushing and steaming of pipelines.
It does not specify requirements for the selection and use of biological indicators intended to monitor vaporised hydrogen peroxide processes for isolator and room biodecontamination processes at atmospheric pressure.
It is not applicable to liquid immersion sterilization processes.

This document specifies test methods and values for sealable adhesive coated nonwoven materials of polyolefines, manufactured from nonwovens complying with FprEN 868 9 used for sterile barrier systems and/or packaging systems that are intended to maintain sterility of terminally sterilized medical devices to the point of use.
Other than the general requirements as specified in EN ISO 11607 1 and EN ISO 11607 2 this part of EN 868 specifies materials, test methods and values that are specific to the products covered by this European Standard.
The materials specified in this part of EN 868 are intended for single use only.

This document specifies test methods and values for uncoated nonwoven materials of polyolefines used for sterile barrier systems and/or packaging systems that are intended to maintain sterility of terminally sterilized medical devices to the point of use.
Other than the general requirements as specified in EN ISO 11607 1 and EN ISO 11607 2 this part of EN 868 specifies materials, test methods and values that are specific to the products covered by this European Standard.
The materials specified in this part of EN 868 are intended for single use only.

This document specifies test methods and values for sealable pouches and reels manufactured from porous materials complying with either EN 868 part 2, 3, 6, 7, 9 or 10 and plastic film complying with Clause 4. These sealable pouches and reels are used as sterile barrier systems and/or packaging systems that are intended to maintain sterility of terminally sterilized medical devices to the point of use.
Other than the general requirements as specified in EN ISO 11607 1 and EN ISO 11607 2 this part of EN 868 specifies materials, test methods and values that are specific to the products covered by this document.
The materials specified in this part of EN 868 are intended for single use only.

This document specifies test methods and values for re-usable containers used as sterile barrier systems that are intended to maintain sterility of terminally sterilized medical devices to the point of use. These containers are intended to be used in steam sterilizers conforming to EN 285.
NOTE 1   The need for a packaging material inside the container is determined by the manufacturers and users.
Other than the general requirements as specified in EN ISO 11607 1 and EN ISO 11607 2 this part of EN 868 specifies materials, test methods and values that are specific to the products covered by this document.
NOTE 2   When it is intended to use the containers in a steam sterilizer not conforming to EN 285 the sterilization performance of the container in the specific sterilization cycle to be used is validated by the user. Other attributes of the container are also reviewed for compatibility with the sterilizer cycle, e.g. operating temperature.
NOTE 3   The use of additional materials and/or accessories inside the sterile barrier system in order to ease the organization, drying or aseptic presentation (e.g. inner wrap, indicators, packing lists, mats, instrument organizer sets, tray liners or an additional envelope around the medical device) is not covered in this part of EN 868. However, other requirements, including the determination of the acceptability of these materials and/or accessories during validation activities, can apply.

This document specifies the requirements for test equipment to be used to:
—          test biological indicators for steam, ethylene oxide gas and dry heat sterilization processes for conformity to the requirements given in ISO 11138 series;
—          test chemical indicators for steam, ethylene oxide gas, dry heat and vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization processes for conformity to the requirements given in ISO 11140‑1:2014.
This document also provides informative methods useful in characterizing the performance of biological and chemical indicators for intended use and for routine quality control testing.
This document does not specify requirements for test equipment for processes specifically for testing chemical and biological indicators intended to monitor isolator and room biodecontamination processes at atmospheric pressure.
ISO 11138‑2:2017, ISO 11138‑3:2017, ISO 11138‑4:2017 and ISO 11140‑1:2014 require the use of resistometers specified in this document, and these resistometers are used in conjunction with the test methods specified in the appropriate parts of ISO 11138 series and ISO 11140 series.
Resistometers for low temperature steam and formaldehyde indicators are not included in this document. Test methods using laboratory apparatus for low temperature steam and formaldehyde are included in ISO 11138‑5:2017.
Test equipment for testing Type 2 (e.g. Bowie Dick) chemical indicators are specified in ISO 11140‑3:2007, ISO 11140‑4:2007, and ISO 11140‑5:2007.

This document defines terms in the field of the sterilization of health care products including related equipment and processes.

This European Standard specifies the performance requirements and test methods for small steam sterilizers and sterilization cycles which are used for medical purposes or for materials that are likely to come into contact with blood or body fluids.
This European Standard applies to automatically controlled small steam sterilizers that generate steam using electrical heaters or use steam that is generated by a system external to the sterilizer.
This European Standard applies to small steam sterilizers used primarily for the sterilization of medical devices with a chamber volume of less than 60 l and unable to accommodate a sterilization module (300 mm × 300 mm × 600 mm).
The requirements concerning the quality management and risk management are addressed by other standards (e.g. EN ISO 13485, EN ISO 14971).
This European Standard does not apply to small steam sterilizers that are used to sterilize liquids or pharmaceutical products.
This European Standard does not specify safety requirements related to risks associated with the zone in which the sterilizer is used (e.g. flammable gases).
This European Standard does not specify requirements for the validation and routine control of sterilization by moist heat.
NOTE Requirements for the validation and routine control of sterilization by moist heat are given in EN ISO 17665-1.
This European Standard does not specify requirements for other sterilization processes that also employ moist heat as part of the process (i.e. formaldehyde, ethylene oxide).

ISO 11138-2:2017 specifies requirements for test organisms, suspensions, inoculated carriers, biological indicators and test methods intended for use in assessing the performance of sterilizers and sterilization processes employing ethylene oxide gas as the sterilizing agent, either as pure ethylene oxide gas or mixtures of this gas with diluent gases, at sterilizing temperatures within the range of 29 °C to 65 °C.
NOTE 1       Requirements for validation and control of ethylene oxide sterilization processes are provided by ISO 11135 and ISO 14937.
NOTE 2       National or regional regulations can provide requirements for work place safety.

ISO 11138-3:2017 specifies requirements for test organisms, suspensions, inoculated carriers, biological indicators and test methods intended for use in assessing the performance of sterilization processes employing moist heat as the sterilizing agent.
NOTE 1       Requirements for validation and control of moist heat sterilization processes are provided by the ISO 17665 series.
NOTE 2       National or regional regulations can provide requirements for work place safety.

ISO 11138-1:2017 specifies general requirements for production, labelling, test methods and performance characteristics of biological indicators, including inoculated carriers and suspensions, and their components, to be used in the validation and routine monitoring of sterilization processes.
ISO 11138-1:2017 specifies basic and common requirements that are applicable to all parts of ISO 11138. Requirements for biological indicators for particular specified processes are provided in the relevant parts of ISO 11138. If no specific subsequent part is provided, this document applies.
NOTE          National or regional regulations can apply.
ISO 11138-1:2017 does not apply to microbiological test systems for processes that rely on physical removal of microorganisms, e.g. filtration processes or processes that combine physical and/or mechanical removal with microbiological inactivation, such as use of washer disinfectors or flushing and steaming of pipelines. This document, however, can contain elements relevant to such microbiological test systems.

2016-12-13: Decision 458 on de-harmonization of EN ISO 11138 series taken on 2016-12-09.

ISO 11138-5:2017 specifies requirements for test organisms, suspensions, inoculated carriers, biological indicators and test methods intended for use in assessing the performance of sterilization processes employing low-temperature steam and formaldehyde as the sterilizing agent.
NOTE 1       Requirements for validation and control of low-temperature steam and formaldehyde sterilization processes are provided by ISO 14937.
NOTE 2       Requirements for work place safety can be provided by national or regional regulations.

This draft European Standard provides test methods and values for paper used in the manufacture of preformed sterile barrier systems and/or packaging systems that are intended to maintain sterility of terminally sterilized medical devices to the point of use.
The need for a protective packaging may be determined by the manufacturer and the user.
This part of EN 868 only introduces performance requirements and test methods that are specific to the products covered by this part of EN 868 but does not add or modify the general requirements specified in EN ISO 11607-1.
As such, the particular requirements in 4.2 to 4.3 can be used to demonstrate compliance with one or more but not all of the requirements of EN ISO 11607-1.
Paper specified in this part of the series EN 868 is intended for use in part or complete manufacture of pouches and form and fill packs and lidding material for packs.
NOTE 1   The paper specified in this part of the EN 868 series is suitable for the manufacture of sterile barrier systems to be used in ethylene oxide, irradiation or low temperature steam formaldehyde sterilization processes and to produce coated paper according to EN 868-7.
NOTE 2   Paper according to EN 868-3 can also be used for these sterilization processes.
The materials specified in this part of EN 868 are intended for single use only.
When additional materials are used inside the sterile barrier system in order to ease the organization, drying or aseptic presentation (e.g. inner wrap, container filters, indicators, packing lists, mats, instrument organizer sets, tray liners or an additional envelope around the medical device) then other requirements, including the determination of the acceptability of these materials during validation activities, may apply.

This draft European Standard provides test methods and values for paper, used in the manufacture of paper bags (specified in EN 868-4) and in the manufacture of pouches and reels (specified in EN 868-5) used as sterile barrier systems and/or packaging systems that are intended to maintain sterility of terminally sterilized medical devices to the point of use.
The need for a protective packaging may be determined by the manufacturer and the user.
This part of EN 868 only introduces performance requirements and test methods that are specific to the products covered by this part of EN 868 but does not add or modify the general requirements specified in EN ISO 11607-1.
As such, the particular requirements in 4.2 can be used to demonstrate compliance with one or more but not all of the requirements of EN ISO 11607-1.
When additional materials are used inside the sterile barrier system in order to ease the organization, drying or aseptic presentation (e.g. inner wrap, container filter indicators, packing lists, mats, instrument organizer sets, tray liners or an additional envelope around the medical device) then other requirements, including the determination of the acceptability of these materials during validation activities, may apply.
The materials specified in this part of EN 868 are intended for single use only.
NOTE   Applicable sterilization methods are specified by the manufacturer.

This draft European Standard provides test methods and values for sealable adhesive coated paper manufactured from paper complying with EN 868-6, used as sterile barrier systems and/or packaging systems that are intended to maintain sterility of terminally sterilized medical devices to the point of use. The materials specified in this part are intended to be used for ethylene oxide or irradiation sterilization.
The need for a protective packaging may be determined by the manufacturer and the user.
This part of EN 868 only introduces performance requirements and test methods that are specific to the products covered by this part of EN 868 but does not add or modify the general requirements specified in EN ISO 11607-1.
As such, the particular requirements in 4.2 to 4.3 can be used to demonstrate compliance with one or more but not all of the requirements of EN ISO 11607-1.
When additional materials are used inside the sterile barrier system in order to ease the organization, drying or aseptic presentation (e.g. inner wrap, container filter, indicators, packing lists, mats, instrument organizer sets, tray liners or an additional envelope around the medical device) then other requirements, including the determination of the acceptability of these materials during validation activities, may apply.
The materials specified in this part of EN 868 are intended for single use only.

This draft European Standard provides test methods and values for materials for sterile barrier systems and/or packaging systems that are intended to maintain sterility of terminally sterilized medical devices to the point of use.
The need for a protective packaging may be determined by the manufacturer and the user.
This part of EN 868 only introduces performance requirements and test methods that are specific to the products covered by this part of EN 868 but does not add or modify the general requirements specified in EN ISO 11607-1.
As such, the particular requirements in 4.2 can be used to demonstrate compliance with one or more but not all of the requirements of EN ISO 11607-1.
When additional materials are used inside the sterile barrier system in order to ease the organization, drying or aseptic presentation (e.g. inner wrap, container filter, indicators, packing lists, mats, instrument organizer sets, tray liners or an additional envelope around the medical device) then other requirements, including the determination of the acceptability of these materials during validation activities, may apply.
The materials specified in 4.2.2.1 to 4.2.2.3 of this part of EN 868 are intended for single use, the materials specified in 4.2.2.4 are intended for reuse.

This draft European Standard provides test methods and values for paper bags manufactured from paper specified in EN 868-3, used as sterile barrier systems and/or packaging systems that are intended to maintain sterility of terminally sterilized medical devices to the point of use.
The need for a protective packaging may be determined by the manufacturer and the user.
This part of EN 868 only introduces performance requirements and test methods that are specific to the products covered by this part of EN 868 but does not add or modify the general requirements specified in EN ISO 11607-1.
As such, the particular requirements in 4.2 to 4.6 can be used to demonstrate compliance with one or more but not all of the requirements of EN ISO 11607-1.
The materials specified in this part of EN 868 are intended for single use only.
When additional materials are used inside the sterile barrier system in order to ease the organization, drying or aseptic presentation (e.g. inner wrap, container filter indicators, packing lists, mats, instrument organizer sets, tray liners or an additional envelope around the medical device) then other requirements, including the determination of the acceptability of these materials during validation activities, may apply.

ISO 15883-7:2016 specifies the particular requirements for washer-disinfectors (WD) intended to be used for the cleaning and chemical disinfection, in a single operating cycle, of reusable items such as the following:
a)    bedframes;
b)    bedside tables;
c)    transport carts;
d)    containers;
e)    surgical tables;
f)     sterilization containers;
g)    surgical clogs;
h)    wheelchairs, aids for the disabled.
ISO 15883-7:2016 also specifies the performance requirements for the cleaning and disinfection of the washer-disinfector and its components and accessories which may be necessary in order to achieve the required performance.
Devices identified within the scopes of ISO 15883‑2, ISO 15883‑3, ISO I5883-4, and ISO 15883‑6 do not fall within the scope of this part of ISO 15883.
In addition, the methods are specified, as well as instrumentation and instructions required for type testing, works testing, validation (installation, operation, and performance qualification on first installation), routine control, and monitoring, as well as requalifications required to be carried out periodically and after essential repairs.
NOTE          WDs corresponding to this part of ISO 15883 can also be used for cleaning and chemical disinfection of other thermolabile and reusable devices as recommended by the device manufacturer.
The performance requirements specified in this part of ISO 15883 may not ensure the inactivation or removal of the causative agent(s) (prion proteins) of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies.

ISO 15883-6:2011 specifies particular requirements for washer-disinfectors (WDs) intended for use when the level of assurance of disinfection that is necessary can be achieved by cleaning and thermal disinfection (A0 not less than 60) and does not require an independent automated record of critical processes to be kept. It is intended to be used in conjunction with ISO 15883-1, which gives general requirements for WDs.
The range of products on which WDs of this particular type can be used is restricted to devices and equipment which are non-invasive and non-critical (i.e. not penetrating skin or contacting mucosal surfaces).

ISO 11140-1:2014 specifies general requirements and test methods for indicators that show exposure to sterilization processes by means of physical and/or chemical change of substances, and which are used to monitor the attainment of one or more of the process parameter(s) specified for a sterilization process. They are not dependent for their action on the presence or absence of a living organism.

This European Standard specifies the performance requirements applying to cabinets designed to store, or store and dry, thermolabile endoscopes following automated or manual processing.
The storage cabinets are designed to provide a controlled environment for storage of endoscope(s), with or without channels, and when necessary drying of the endoscope(s), including the endoscope(s) channels.
The controlled environment provided by the storage cabinet ensures that during storage there is no deterioration of the microbiological quality of the endoscope. The drying function is intended to supplement, if necessary, any drying provided as part of the automated or manual processing cycle.
This European Standard specifies storage cabinets which flush the channels and the external surfaces of endoscopes with air.
NOTE 1   The storage cabinet is one of the means that can allow the safe use of the endoscope for an extended period from the time of processing and improve availability for emergency use.
NOTE 2   Thorough drying of an endoscope in a washer-disinfector can require a prolonged cycle time; the use of a storage cabinet including a drying function can enhance throughput of the endoscopes.
The cabinet is not intended to provide any cleaning or disinfection function.
This European Standard does not include the use of other chemicals for drying and maintaining the quality of endoscopes during storage

2013-08-02 EMA: Draft for // vote received in ISO/CS (see notification of 2013-08-02 in dataservice).
2012-02-14 EMA: WI allocated to WG 8 as per TC secretary request.
2012-01-06 EMA: Draft for // ENQ received in ISO/CS (see notification of 2011-12-06 in dataservice).

This European Standard specifies the requirements and the relevant tests for automatically controlled sterilizers employing ethylene oxide (EO) gas as the sterilant, either as a pure gas or a mixture with other gases, being used for the sterilization of medical devices and their accessories.
This European Standard specifies requirements for ethylene oxide sterilizers (EO-sterilizers) working at super or sub-atmospheric pressure for:
- the performance and design of sterilizers to ensure that the process is capable of sterilizing medical devices;
- the equipment and controls of these sterilizers necessary for the validation and routine control of the sterilization processes.
The test loads described in this European Standard are selected to represent a number of loads for the evaluation of the performance of EO sterilizers for medical devices. However, specific loads may require the use of other test loads.
This European Standard does not specify those tests which are necessary to determine the probability of a processed product being sterile, nor the routine quality control tests required prior to release of sterile product. These topics are addressed in prEN ISO 11135:2012.
This European Standard does not specify requirements for occupational safety associated with the design and operation of EO sterilization facilities.
NOTE 1   For further information on safety, see examples in the Bibliography. National or regional regulations can exist.
This European Standard does not cover sterilizers which employ the injection of EO or mixtures containing EO directly into packages or into a flexible chamber.
NOTE 2   See EN ISO 14937.
This European Standard is not intended as a checklist for suitability of an existing EO sterilizer when assessing compliance with prEN ISO 11135:2012. This standard is not intended to be applied retrospectively.
This European Standard does not cover analytical methods for determining levels of residual EO and/or its reaction products.
NOTE 3   For further information see ISO 10993 7.

This European Standard specifies requirements and tests for LTSF sterilizers, which use a mixture of low temperature steam and formaldehyde as sterilizing agent, and which are working below ambient pressure only.
These sterilizers are primarily used for the sterilization of heat labile medical devices in health care facilities.
This European Standard specifies minimum requirements:
- for the performance and design of sterilizers to ensure that the process is capable of sterilizing medical devices;
- for the equipment and controls of these sterilizers necessary for the validation and routine control of the sterilization processes.

ISO 15883-2:2006 specifies particular requirements for washer disinfectors (WD) that are intended for use for the cleaning and thermal disinfection, in a single operating cycle, of re-usable medical devices such as surgical instruments, anaesthetic equipment, bowls, dishes and receivers, utensils and glassware.
The requirements in ISO 15883-2:2006 apply in addition to the general requirements specified in ISO 15883-1.
The specified performance requirements of ISO 15883-2:2006 may not ensure the inactivation or removal of the causative agent(s) (prion protein) of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.

ISO 15883-1:2006 specifies general performance requirements for washer-disinfectors (WD) and their accessories that are intended to be used for cleaning and disinfection of re-usable medical devices and other articles used in the context of medical, dental, pharmaceutical and veterinary practice. It specifies performance requirements for cleaning and disinfection as well as for the accessories which can be required to achieve the necessary performance. The methods and instrumentation required for validation, routine control and monitoring and re-validation, periodically and after essential repairs, are also specified.
The requirements for washer-disinfectors intended to process specific loads are specified in subsequent parts of ISO 15883. For washer-disinfectors intended to process loads of two or more different types the requirements of all relevant parts of this standard apply.
ISO 15883-1:2006 does not specify requirements intended for machines for use for laundry or general catering purposes.
ISO 15883-1:2006 does not include requirements for machines which are intended to sterilize the load, or which are designated as "sterilizers", these are specified in other standards e.g. EN 285.
The specified performance requirements of this standard may not ensure the inactivation or removal of the causative agent(s) (prion protein) of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.
ISO 15883-1:2006 may be used by prospective purchasers and manufacturers as the basis of agreement on the specification of a WD. The test methods for demonstration of compliance with the requirements of ISO 15883-1:2006 may also be employed by users to demonstrate continued compliance of the installed WD throughout its working life. Guidance on a routine test programme also is given.

ISO 15883-3:2006 specifies particular requirements for washer-disinfectors (WD) that are intended to be used for emptying, flushing, cleaning and thermal disinfection of containers used to hold human waste for disposal by one operating cycle.
ISO 15883-3:2006 is to be applied in conjunction with ISO 15883-1.

ISO 11140-3:2007 specifies the requirements for chemical indicators to be used in the steam penetration test for steam sterilizers for wrapped goods, e.g. instruments and porous materials. The indicator for this purpose is a Class 2 indicator as described in ISO 11140-1.
Indicators complying with ISO 11140-3:2007 are intended for use in combination with the standard test pack as described in EN 285. ISO 11140-3:2007 does not consider the performance of the standard test pack, but does specify the performance of the indicators.

ISO 15882:2008 provides guidance for the selection, use and interpretation of results of chemical indicators used in process definition, validation and routine monitoring and overall control of sterilization processes.
ISO 15882:2008 applies to indicators that show exposure to sterilization processes by means of physical and/or chemical change of substances, and which are used to monitor one or more of the variables required for a sterilization process. These chemical indicators are not dependent for their action on the presence or absence of a living organism.

ISO 11140-4:2007 specifies the performance for a Class 2 indicator to be used as an alternative to the Bowie and Dick-type test for steam sterilizers for wrapped health care goods (instruments, etc. and porous loads).
An indicator complying with ISO 11140-4:2007 incorporates a specified material which is used as a test load. This test load may, or may not, be re-usable. ISO 11140-4:2007 does not specify requirements for the test load, but specifies the performance of the indicator in combination with the test load with which it is intended to be used. The indicator specified in ISO 11140-4:2007 is intended to identify poor steam penetration but does not necessarily indicate the cause of this poor steam penetration.
This part of ISO 11140-4:2007 does not include test methods to establish the suitability of these indicators for use in sterilizers in which the air removal stage does not include evacuation below atmospheric pressure.

This document specifies requirements and tests for low temperature hydrogen peroxide sterilizers, which use a vaporized aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide as the sterilizing agent.
These sterilizers are used for the sterilization of medical devices, particularly thermolabile medical devices.
This document specifies minimum requirements
• for the performance and design of sterilizers intended to deliver a process capable of sterilizing medical devices;
• for the equipment and controls of these sterilizers needed for operation, control and monitoring, and which can be used for validation of the sterilization processes;
• for the test equipment and test procedures used to verify the sterilizer performance specified by this document.
This document does not specify requirements for equipment intended to process liquids, biological waste, or human tissues.
This document does not describe a quality management system for the control of all stages of the manufacture of the sterilizer.
This document does not specify requirements and tests for decontamination systems for use in rooms, enclosures, or environmental spaces.
NOTE 1 Attention is drawn to the standards for quality management, e.g. EN ISO 13485.
NOTE 2 Environmental aspects of this standard are addressed in Annex H.

ISO 15883-7:2016 specifies the particular requirements for washer-disinfectors (WD) intended to be used for the cleaning and chemical disinfection, in a single operating cycle, of reusable items such as the following:
a) bedframes;
b) bedside tables;
c) transport carts;
d) containers;
e) surgical tables;
f) sterilization containers;
g) surgical clogs;
h) wheelchairs, aids for the disabled.
ISO 15883-7:2016 also specifies the performance requirements for the cleaning and disinfection of the washer-disinfector and its components and accessories which may be necessary in order to achieve the required performance.
Devices identified within the scopes of ISO 15883‑2, ISO 15883‑3, ISO I5883-4, and ISO 15883‑6 do not fall within the scope of this part of ISO 15883.
In addition, the methods are specified, as well as instrumentation and instructions required for type testing, works testing, validation (installation, operation, and performance qualification on first installation), routine control, and monitoring, as well as requalifications required to be carried out periodically and after essential repairs.
NOTE WDs corresponding to this part of ISO 15883 can also be used for cleaning and chemical disinfection of other thermolabile and reusable devices as recommended by the device manufacturer.
The performance requirements specified in this part of ISO 15883 may not ensure the inactivation or removal of the causative agent(s) (prion proteins) of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies.

This document specifies test methods and values for single-use paper bags manufactured from paper specified in EN 868 3, used as sterile barrier systems and/or packaging systems for terminally sterilized medical devices.
Other than the general requirements as specified in EN ISO 11607 1 and EN ISO 11607 2, this part of EN 868 specifies materials, test methods and values that are specific to the products covered by this document.

This document specifies test methods and values for paper used in the manufacture of single-use preformed sterile barrier systems and/or packaging systems for terminally sterilized medical devices by means of low temperature sterilization processes.
Other than the general requirements as specified in EN ISO 11607 1 and EN ISO 11607 2 [2], this part of EN 868 specifies materials, test methods and values that are specific to the products covered by this document.

This document specifies test methods and values for sterilization wrap made of
-   single-use creped paper
-   single-use nonwoven materials
-   reusable woven textile materials
used as sterile barrier systems and/or packaging systems for terminally sterilized medical devices.
Other than the general requirements as specified in EN ISO 11607 1 and EN ISO 11607 2, this part of EN 868 specifies materials, test methods and values that are specific to the products covered by this document.