MEDICAL PACKAGE TESTING

Distribution Simulation Testing

Life Science Outsourcing’s distribution simulation testing services check packaging systems against genuine, real-world hazards, and ensures compliance.

Distribution Simulation Testing Expertise

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.

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.

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