In medical and dental practices, the sterilisation of instruments is crucial to ensure a safe and germ-free treatment environment. Sealing devices play an important role in this process as they seal instruments airtight in sterilisable packaging. The peel test is an essential method for checking the quality and safety of these seals.
The peel test measures the force required to open the seal of a sterilised pack. A correct peel test guarantees that the seal is strong enough to maintain the sterility of the contents until use, but not so strong that opening it would jeopardise sterility or put unnecessary strain on medical staff. A seam that is too weak could lead to contamination, while a seam that is too strong could damage the packaging when opened and also pose a risk of contamination or injury.
The results of the peel test are a direct indicator of the quality of the sealed seam. Documentation of the test results is essential for quality control and should be part of a comprehensive quality management system. Regular inspections of the sealing equipment and adjustments to the sealing parameters are required to ensure consistent results.