Distribution Simulation Testing
What is distribution simulation for medical device packaging?
There are numerous environmental and physical conditions that medical packages and products will encounter when traveling from point of manufacture to the sterilization facility, distribution center, health care facility, or other final destination. Distribution simulation testing evaluates packaging ability to withstand such conditions and is an essential part of meeting necessary requirements by complying with the ISO 11607 standard.
It may also be necessary to expose medical packages and products to atmospheric conditioning to simulate specific field circumstances they often encounter during the expected life cycle or testing cycle. The ASTM D4332 standard addresses this.
Who needs distribution simulation package testing?
Medical device manufacturers involved in designing, packaging, and distributing medical devices need distribution simulation testing to meet regulatory requirements.
Distribution simulation is important to achieve:
- Sterility assurance
- Device integrity
- Regulatory compliance
How does distribution simulation work?
Medical device package distribution simulation testing requires several steps to verify that packaging can withstand distribution rigors without compromising sterility or functionality.
Design and preparation
The design and preparation step includes packaging design development and testing protocols.
Simulation conditions
Transportation and environmental simulation happens next to replicate real-world shipping and handling conditions and temperature fluctuations or pressure changes that may occur during transportation and storage.
Packaging test execution
The test is then performed, with a specific setup using defined protocols.
Inspection analysis
The inspection analysis step includes visual inspection, sterility testing, and functional testing.
Documentation and evaluation
Results are recorded, data is analyzed, and a comprehensive report is created, detailing test procedures, results, and any corrective actions taken.
Refinement and testing (if need)
Design adjustments happen in this stage, as do additional tests to verify the design modifications can effectively address the identified issues.
Compliance and approval
In this final step, test results are submitted to regulatory bodies if required, and an internal review occurs for ongoing adherence to quality and safety standards.
Distribution simulation testing methods
Distribution Simulation is a systematic and repetitious way of testing shipping containers. It uses testing equipment to expose packaging systems to genuine, real-life hazards that may be encountered during the distribution environment. A medical package falling from a forklift, swaying in a truck during transit, or being stacked on top of other packages or containers in a storage warehouse are all examples of distribution occurrences. Testing is commonly known as “shake, rattle, and roll” testing for that reason. Distribution Simulation Testing uses the following categories:
Drop
Used to determine the rugged nature of medical packages and the effectiveness of interior cushioning when the products or packages systems are exposed to impact during material handling operations.
Vibration
Used to determine the ability of medical packages and products to withstand shock and vibration encountered during the entire transit course.
Compression
Used to determine the maximum compression resistance and long-term stacking strength of both individual medical packages and their master shipping containers.
Concentrated impact
This test evaluates the ability of packaging to resist the force of concentrated impacts from outside sources, such as those encountered in various modes of transportation and handling.
Vacuum (low pressure)
This test determines the effects of high altitude or pressure differential when packaged products are transported via certain modes of transport such as aircraft or ground over high mountain passes.
