Sterility is one of the main requirements for materials used to dress wounds.
The material may not contain a single pathogenic microorganism. Materials that do not come into immediate contact with the surface of the wound, should be manufactured and packaged hygienically. Bandaging material can be sterilised through exposure to steam, hot air or ethylene oxide. The use of gamma irradiation is also becoming more common. One of the benefits of gamma irradiation is that the products can be sterilised in the end packaging.
The government has drawn up guidelines for the packaging and sterilisation of bandaging material. The following information must be clearly indicated on the packaging – sterilisation method, the date after which sterility can no longer be guaranteed (expiry date) and an indication that the sterilisation procedure has actually taken place. Sterile bandaging products are packaged in paper or plastic sachets, or in blister packs.