The standard for instrument packaging

Packaging of instruments prior to sterilisation is a key requirement in the infection control chain that ensures sterility is maintained from the time of processing up until point of use (per ISO 11607-2).

Several methods for packaging instruments are available, but, according to Christian Wolf, Managing Director of German manufacturer hawo GmbH, heat sealed packaging is the "gold standard".

"Instruments need to remain sterile from when processing is completed until the packaging is opened chairside, ready for use," Mr Wolf said. "In between, the quality of the packaging and more importantly, the quality of the seal that closes the packaging will largely determine if sterility is maintained.

"Ensuring a high quality seal is achieved every time instruments are packaged is the basis for our entire business. We develop systems that allow dental practices to easily package instruments using heat sealing technology that ensures a high quality seal every time."

Hawo is the world leader in sealing devices for the packaging of dental instruments and has recently launched the hawo hd 310 WS, a constantly heated sealer that provides reproducible sealing results with every sealing process. With constant temperature, contact pressure and sealing time (dwell), the process always occurs in the same way and provides sealed seams whose quality rivals industrially manufactured seams. This makes poorly sealed packaging a thing of the past.

With the hd 310 WS, which is virtually free of parts that wear, hawo also alleviates the costs of maintenance and service for the device. This reduces regular maintenance costs to a minimum. In addition, the device has been developed in such a way that it requires no more energy than a conventional light bulb.

The packaging film can be purchased in rolls and up to three rolls of different sizes can be positioned on the device. An integrated cutting device ensures cutting of optimal packaging lengths.

"With infection control, there is no such thing as second best," Mr Wolf said. "Using heat sealed packaging will ensure you are offering the utmost protection to your patients and everyone working in your practice."

For more information on the hawo hd 310 WS heat sealer, contact Henry Schein Halas on 1300-658-822.