Medical Device Sterilization

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Medical Device Sterilization

Medical device sterilization is a controlled process intended to inactivate or eliminate viable microorganisms, including bacterial spores, to support patient safety and regulatory compliance. Within Life Science Outsourcing’s Sterilization Validation Services (SVS) division, sterilization services are provided through in-house sterilization capabilities and managed sterilization modalities supported by defined standards and quality system controls.

SVS supports medical device manufacturers by providing sterilization options and the associated technical and documentation framework needed for regulated manufacturing.

What Is Medical Device Sterilization?

Medical device sterilization is defined as a validated process used to achieve a specified level of microbial inactivation on a medical device.

Sterilization effectiveness is demonstrated through validated processes and objective evidence generated in accordance with applicable standards, rather than by direct verification of sterility for each individual unit.

Who Needs Medical Device Sterilization Support?

Medical device sterilization services are commonly required by:

  • Medical device startups preparing products for early clinical use, verification builds, or initial market entry activities
  • Medical device OEMs scaling from development into commercial manufacturing
  • Manufacturers sterilizing finished medical devices prior to distribution
  • Organizations transitioning sterilization modalities or changing device materials or packaging
  • Quality and regulatory teams responsible for sterility assurance strategy and sterilization documentation


Sterilization method selection and documentation needs vary based on device risk, intended use, materials, and regulatory requirements.

How Does Medical Device Sterilization Work?

Medical device sterilization is typically implemented through a controlled workflow that includes:

  • Selection of an appropriate sterilization modality based on device design, materials, packaging, and intended use
  • Definition of cycle parameters and acceptance criteria appropriate to the modality
  • Execution of sterilization under controlled conditions
  • Use of supporting monitoring and testing evidence, as applicable (e.g., indicators, bioburden inputs, residuals)
  • Documentation to support sterilization records, quality system requirements, and audit readiness

Who Needs Medical Device Sterilization Support?

Medical device sterilization support is required by:

  • Medical device startups preparing products for initial regulatory submission
  • Medical device OEMs scaling from development into commercial manufacturing
  • Manufacturers validating new or modified sterilization processes
  • Quality and regulatory teams responsible for sterility assurance strategies
  • Organizations maintaining compliance with sterilization-related standards


Sterilization requirements are determined by device classification, intended use, materials, and regulatory expectations.

Sterilization Methods Available Through SVS

SVS provides and supports multiple sterilization modalities, including:

Modality selection depends on material compatibility, device configuration, packaging, sterility assurance requirements, and regulatory expectations.

Key Principles That Affect Sterilization Outcomes

Sterilization performance and sterility maintenance depend on controlled upstream and downstream conditions, including:

  • Cleaning and contamination control to minimize microbial burden prior to sterilization
  • Packaging configuration appropriate to the selected sterilization modality
  • Handling, storage, and transportation controls intended to maintain sterile state through distribution
  • Recordkeeping and traceability to support investigations, audits, and compliance

What Standards Apply?

Medical device sterilization activities within SVS are performed in alignment with applicable standards and regulatory requirements, including:

  • ISO 11135 — Ethylene oxide sterilization
  • ISO 17665 — Moist heat (steam) sterilization
  • ISO 11737 — Bioburden and sterility assurance
  • ISO 11138 — Biological indicators
  • FDA Quality System Regulation (21 CFR Part 820)

About SVS

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