Why is the inner bag of Urology sterile irrigation cloudy?
During the manufacturing process, the bags are rinsed with water for injections after filling to ensure there are no residual contents on the outside of the bag. The individual bags are leak tested by applying pressure before being sealed inside a more rigid outer bag. This is necessary as the plastic material of the inner bag allows water vapour to pass to the atmosphere. The outer bag allows less water vapour to pass and a longer shelf life can then be guaranteed The package is then autoclaved. The autoclaving process requires a degree of moisture to be present between the inner and outer bag so the moisture turns to steam that ensures sterility of the outside of the inner bag. During autoclaving, the plastic of the inner bag sometimes becomes cloudy. This is because moisture is trapped in the plastic. Usually, once the inner bag has been removed from its outer bag, this cloudiness or bloom evaporates to leave a clear bag. Always check that the contents of the inner bag are completel
