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14 Jul: Releasing Sterile Product from a Validated Sterilization Process

Releasing sterile product from a validated terminal sterilization process does not require the performance of a compendial sterility test such as that outlined in USP <71> Sterility Tests or EP 2.6.1. Sterility. The only way to achieve a proper sterility assurance level (SAL) on a pharmaceutical product or medical device is through exposure to a validated sterilization process that is designed to deliver the appropriate lethal conditions to the specific product. The compendial sterility tests are not designed nor intended to make the determination of whether or not the entirety of a sterilized batch of products/devices is sterile. While not the intention of this article, the limitations of the sterility test are well defined and accepted [1]. Below is an excerpt taken directly from USP <71> Sterility Tests.