BS EN 868-3:2017

European foreword
Introduction
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Terms and definitions
4 Requirements
Annex A (informative) - Details of significant technical
        changes between this European Standard and the
        previous edition
Annex B (normative) - Method for the determination
        of water repellency
Annex C (normative) - Method for the determination
        of pore size
Annex D (informative) - Repeatability and reproducibility
        of test methods
Bibliography

Defines test methods and values for paper, used in the manufacture of paper bags (specified in EN 868-4) and in the manufacture of pouches and reels (specified in EN 868-5) used as sterile barrier systems and/or packaging systems that are intended to maintain sterility of terminally sterilized medical devices to the point of use.

This draft European Standard provides test methods and values for paper, used in the manufacture of paper bags (specified in EN 868-4) and in the manufacture of pouches and reels (specified in EN 868-5) used as sterile barrier systems and/or packaging systems that are intended to maintain sterility of terminally sterilized medical devices to the point of use. The need for a protective packaging may be determined by the manufacturer and the user. This part of EN 868 only introduces performance requirements and test methods that are specific to the products covered by this part of EN 868 but does not add or modify the general requirements specified in EN ISO 11607-1. As such, the particular requirements in 4.2 can be used to demonstrate compliance with one or more but not all of the requirements of EN ISO 11607-1. When additional materials are used inside the sterile barrier system in order to ease the organization, drying or aseptic presentation (e.g. inner wrap, container filter indicators, packing lists, mats, instrument organizer sets, tray liners or an additional envelope around the medical device) then other requirements, including the determination of the acceptability of these materials during validation activities, may apply. The materials specified in this part of EN 868 are intended for single use only. NOTE Applicable sterilization methods are specified by the manufacturer.