Investigation of persistence of residual formaldehyde in materials after low temperature steam and formaldehyde (LTSF) sterilization using two different packaging materials.

Abstract

Five types of reference test loads specified in EN14180 placed in a sterilizing bag or a sterilizing container were subjected to low temperature steam formaldehyde (LTSF) sterilization, and residual formaldehyde levels on the sterilized materials were measured. The result demonstrated that, regardless of which packaging material was used, formaldehyde levels on the sterilized materials were much lower than the reference value described in EN14180, suggesting that formaldehyde can be adequately removed by steam wash. It was suggested that low residual formaldehyde levels and safe operation can be achieved for various materials through appropriate sterilization process.