Study on the shelf life of sterilized products by packaging materials

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the temperature and humidity of a sterilized product storage site, examine the appropriateness of the expiration dates according to the packaging materials used, and provide a basis for extending the expiration dates.Methods: The samples were stored in five departments of the Armed Forces Yangju Hospital after steam, E.O gas, and plasma sterilization. Samples of nonwoven packaging materials were collected 12 times every two weeks from to six months after the expiration date, and microbial culture tests were conducted. Paper-plastic pouch samples were collected once at the expiration date of six months and tested for microbial culture. During the study period, the temperature and humidity of the storage sites were measured once daily.Results: The temperature and humidity of the storage area met the guidelines of the Central Supply Nurses’ Association; however some cases exceeded the recommended ranges depending on the season. Microorganisms were cultured in two of the 540 nonwoven packaging samples, and there was no contamination in the subsequent samples. No paperplastic pouch samples were cultured with microorganisms.Conclusion: The expiration date of nonwoven packaging materials can be extended to six months for paper-plastic pouches. Unnecessary costs can be reduced and the same expiration dates can be applied to prevent errors in nurses.