Boulder Sterilization’s chlorine dioxide sterilization chamber [Photo courtesy of Boulder Sterilization]
Boulder iQ division Boulder Sterilization will open what it said is the world’s largest contract chlorine dioxide (CD) sterilization chamber this summer.
The 270-ft² chamber has capacity for two pallets at a time, allowing for batches and products of almost any size, the company said.
Boulder, Colorado-based Boulder iQ said the new equipment will make Boulder Sterilization the only contract sterilizer offering both CD and ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization for medical devices and in-vitro diagnostic products.
CD is one potential alternative for EtO sterilization, which is the most commonly used method for medical devices but faces new federal regulations over safety risks to workers and neighboring communities.
Related: FDA reports sterilization challenge progress as EPA takes aim at EtO emissions
“As the market moves increasingly toward safer ‘green’ options of sterilization, we have made the commitment to be there for the industry, leading the way,” Boulder iQ founder and chair Jim Kasic said in a news release. “Our company has always stood at the forefront, meeting the needs of the fast-paced medical device development world. This is one more step along the way.”
Kasic said Boulder Sterilization can complete validations in as little as four weeks, which can translate to cost savings of 75%.
“By conducting multiple cycles simultaneously, at different set points, we can handle sterilizations more efficiently while mitigating the risk of issues that can occur in the initial cycle,” he said. “It’s one example of the ‘think smart’ approach we use.”
Boulder Sterilization’s 11,000-ft² facility is in Boulder. The building also has a 1,000-ft² Certified ISO Class 7 cleanroom, an inspection and test lab, machine shop, 3D print shop, customizable fume hoods and client-customized wet lab and test set-ups.
Related: How Phiex’s chlorine dioxide method could revolutionize medical device sterilization
