ISO/TC 198/WG 2 - Radiation sterilization

This document describes a method for substantiating a selected sterilization dose of 17,5 kGy, 20 kGy, 22,5 kGy, 27,5 kGy, 30 kGy, 32,5 kGy or 35 kGy that achieves a sterility assurance level (SAL) of 10−6 or less for radiation sterilization of health care products. This document also specifies a method of sterilization dose audit used to demonstrate the continued effectiveness of the substantiated sterilization dose. NOTE 1 Selection and substantiation of the sterilization dose is used to meet the requirements for establishing the sterilization dose within process definition in ISO 11137‑1. This document does not apply to other sterilization doses than the substantiation of a selected sterilization dose of 17,5 kGy, 20 kGy, 22,5 kGy, 27,5 kGy, 30 kGy, 32,5 kGy or 35 kGy. The method is not used for the substantiation of a selected sterilization dose if the average bioburden of the entire product item exceeds the limit specified for the selected sterilization dose (see Table 3). NOTE 2 The methods for substantiation of selected sterilization doses of 25 kGy and 15 kGy are not included in this document. They are described in ISO 11137‑2. If the decision is made to use this method of sterilization dose establishment, the method is intended to be followed in accordance with the requirements (shall) and guidance (should) stipulated herein.

This document provides additional guidance to that given in ISO 11137-3 on meeting the requirements specified in ISO 11137-1, ISO 11137-2 and ISO/TS 13004 for the establishment and control of a radiation sterilization process using gamma, electron beam, and X-irradiation.

ISO 11137-3:2017 gives guidance on meeting the requirements in ISO 11137-1 and ISO 11137-2 and in ISO/TS 13004 relating to dosimetry and its use in development, validation and routine control of a radiation sterilization process.

ISO 11137-2:2013 specifies methods for determining the minimum dose needed to achieve a specified requirement for sterility and methods to substantiate the use of 25 kGy or 15 kGy as the sterilization dose to achieve a sterility assurance level, SAL, of 10−6. ISO 11137-2:2013 also specifies methods of sterilization dose audit used to demonstrate the continued effectiveness of the sterilization dose. ISO 11137-2:2013 defines product families for sterilization dose establishment and sterilization dose audit.

ISO 11137-1:2006 specifies requirements for the development, validation and routine control of a radiation sterilization process for medical devices. Although the scope of ISO 11137-1:2006 is limited to medical devices, it specifies requirements and provides guidance that may be applicable to other products and equipment. ISO 11137-1:2006 covers radiation processes employing irradiators using the radionuclide 60Co or 137Cs, a beam from an electron generator or a beam from an X-ray generator. ISO 11137-1:2006 does not: specify requirements for development, validation and routine control of a process for inactivating the causative agents of spongiform encephalopathies such as scrapie, bovine spongiform encephalopathy and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease; detail specified requirements for designating a medical device as sterile; specify a quality management system for the control of all stages of production of medical devices; specify requirements for occupational safety associated with the design and operation of irradiation facilities; specify requirements for the sterilization of used or reprocessed devices.

ISO 11137-2:2011 specifies methods of determining the minimum dose needed to achieve a specified requirement for sterility and methods to substantiate the use of 25 kGy or 15 kGy as the sterilization dose to achieve a sterility assurance level, SAL, of 10-6. ISO 11137-2:2011 also specifies methods of sterilization dose audit used to demonstrate the continued effectiveness of the sterilization dose. ISO 11137-2:2011 defines product families for sterilization dose establishment and sterilization dose audit.

ISO 11137-2:2006 specifies methods of determining the minimum dose needed to achieve a specified requirement for sterility and methods to substantiate the use of 25 kGy or 15 kGy as the sterilization dose to achieve a sterility assurance level (SAL) of 10-6. It also specifies methods of dose auditing in order to demonstrate the continued effectiveness of the sterilization dose. ISO 11137-2:2006 defines product families for dose establishment and dose auditing.

ISO 11137-3:2006 gives guidance on the requirements in ISO 11137 parts 1 and 2 relating to dosimetry. Dosimetry procedures related to the development, validation and routine control of a radiation sterilization process are described.

ISO/TS 13409:2002 describes a method of substantiating the suitability of 25 kGy as a sterilization dose for radiation sterilization of products with an average bioburden of less than 1 000 colony-forming units (cfu) that are manufactured in small quantities (less than 1 000 product units). This method may be used to substantiate a sterilization dose of 25 kGy for any of the following situations: a single batch of product units; initial production of a new product while the sterilization dose is being established by another method; routine production of small batches. Information collected in applying the method of dose substantiation described in this Technical Specification may be applicable in meeting the product qualification requirements for sterilization dose selection of ISO 11137:1995.

Describes a method of substantiating the suitability of 25 kGy as a sterilization dose for radiation sterilization of health care products with an average bioburden of less than 1 000 colony forming units (cfu), that are manufactured in small quantities.

Specifies requirements for validation, process control and routine monitoring in the radiation sterilization of health care products. Applies to continuous and batch type gamma irradiators using the radionuclides 60 Co and 137 Cs, and to irradiators using a beam from an electron or x-ray generator. Does not cover facility design, licensing, operator training, factors related to radiation safety, the assessment of the suitability of the product for its intended use.