Several precautions are taken during the medical device manufacturing process to ensure that the products remain functional and sterile. However, to keep them that way once they leave the facility, care has to be taken to packaging them appropriately. The brief guide below looks at two commonly used types of packaging—pouches and trays.

A Brief Guide to Medical Device Packaging

Trays vs. Pouches

Trays often provide more rigid protection and are preferred for items consisting of delicate parts or that could harm softer packaging. This includes catheters or drills. 

Other bulk-produced medical supplies, like pipette tips, can be placed in pouches, which take less time to manufacture and are cheaper to make. 

What Materials Are Typically Used?

Both pouches and trays can be made with Tyvek®, a synthetic, breathable material that is water-resistant, or foil, which is preferred for UV sensitive items. When it comes to trays, however, additional materials such as polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are utilized. 

Among them, PETG is the most common because it is easily sterilized. It is also stronger than glass and resistant to temperature fluctuations. This increases its shelf-life while in warehouse storage. On the other hand, its lower scratch resistance makes this material more susceptible to unattractive blemishes while it is being handled.

What Standards Must the Packaging Meet?

Device packaging must pass a series of tests to confirm that it will not degrade over time, is structurally sound at the time of production, and is properly sealed. The packaging must also be able to endure the distribution process—from initial processing and sterilization to warehouse storage and transit. 

With over 15 years of experience in medical device manufacturing, assembly, and packaging, turn to Pacific Integrated Manufacturing in Bonita, CA, for your needs. In addition to providing quality products at fair prices, they also offer warehouse space for storing your bulk orders. For more information about their 50,000-square-foot medical device manufacturing plant, visit their website. Call (619) 921-3464 with questions.