Mekkin Bags (Sterilization Pouches)

HOGY Medical: Producer of Japan's First Sterilization Pouches (the "Mekkin Bag")

In 1964, when the concept of sterilization and disinfection was still new to the medical frontlines, the Mekkin Bags developed by HOGY Medical, toward contributing to preventing the spread of infections in hospitals, were so popular that they soon became synonymous with sterilizing storage bags. These products continue to evolve today toward coping with the development of a wide range of sterilization methods.

Roll Bag, One-seal Bag

Mekkin Bags with "ISO Type 4CI" Printed Thereon

This is the first sterilization pouch to be put into practical use in Japan with "ISO Type 4CI" printed thereon. This solved certain issues on the medical frontlines, before sterilization, such as regarding the hassle of sealing CI cards, checking the discoloration of cards after sterilization, and dropping CI cards when opening them.

The printed "Type 4CI" means use for an autoclave.

Hybrid Mekkin Bags, "ID Layered Type"

This is a new type of Mekkin Bag that has the process indicator sandwiched between the film surfaces. This makes sterilization work more accurate by eliminating indicator color change errors caused by antiseptics and the transfer of indicators when Mekkin Bags are pressed against each other.

The printed process indicator is for autoclave (AC)/ethylene oxide (EO) gas.

Hybrid Mekkin Bags

These Mekkin Bags use a combination of paper and film. You can see inside the bags, which makes it easy to check content, and they are popular because they only produce a minimum of paper dust when opened.

The printed process indicator is for autoclave (AC)/ethylene oxide (EO) gas.

Autoclave Mekkin Bags

These are Mekkin Bags for forceps stands. Select the desired type and size of the forceps stand according to your use.

The printed process indicator is for autoclaves.

Other Sterilization Products

Mekkin Cards

Mekkin Cards (Autoclave Detection Cards)

ISO 11140-1 Type-4 detection cards determine whether the specified sterilization processing conditions have been reached in autoclave sterilization. Please choose from two different sizes available, according to the size of the items to be sterilized.

EOG Cards (Ethylene Oxide Gas Cards)

These detection cards are used to assess the sterilization process when sterilizing using ethylene oxide gas. Under a variety of conditions, they change color to correctly show the death time for the indicator bacteria (Bacillus atrophaeus ATCC 9372 [106]).

Indicator Tape (Autoclave Indicator Tape)

Indicator Tape

This is indicator tape for autoclave sterilization. This tape can be used to assess whether something has been sterilized or is still unprocessed. A special cutter (wide cutter) is also offered.

FAQ

Sterilization pouches have sufficient strength and retention properties so as to keep the contents of the pouch sterile even in a single layer. Please consider the necessity of double packaging well in advance.

(1) When the inner sterilization pouch needs to be kept sterile
It is expected that the entire inner sterilization pouch will be supplied to sterilized zones in the hospital. Make the inner sterilization pouch one size smaller than the outer one, and heat seal it without folding or without any open parts.

(2) When the inner sterilization pouch does not need to be kept sterile
This is a case where the inner sterilization pouch is used as a protective material. The purpose is to prevent the sterilization pouch from being damaged by sharp devices or heavy objects, and the situation does not necessarily require the use of a sterilization pouch. To be precise, this is a state that is distinguished from double packaging, and even when sterilization pouches are used, there is no need to heat seal the opening, and there is no problem with folding.

In any case, there is the possibility that the penetration of a sterilizing agent into the items to be sterilized in the sterilization pouch could occur during sterilization. Please check the effects of sterilization conditions and the loading method on sterilization assurance beforehand and make appropriate settings.

Please consider the following when deciding the size of kurumu.

(1) When wrapping the items to be sterilized in the envelope method or diagonal method, make sure that the kurumu covers the entire item spaciously.
If it is too tight, the kurumu could tear at the corners or edges of the item. If it is too lose, the gap between the folds may become too large, which could adversely affect sterility retention.

(2) The area of the folded part should not be too large when it is wrapped.
Otherwise, this could result in the low permeability of the antiseptic.

(3) There should not be any interference with aseptic processing when opening the kurumu.

A tensile test is recommended for measuring seal strength.
Please use our PTT-50 seal strength measuring unit for Mekkin Bags.

There are other methods for checking the condition of the seal:
(1) Burst test
(2) Red check
(3) Dye penetration test
These are recommended in the guidelines.

The required performances of Type 4, Type 5, and Type 6 are defined in ISO-11140-1, and these should be used according to the intended use and purpose.
The guideline for sterilization assurance t medical institutions recommends the use of either Type 4, Type 5, or Type 6 chemical indicators for the package interior.
Regardless of type, all CIs have the following in common, therefore, there is no problem in using any of Type 4, Type 5, and Type 6 CIs as long as the physical and biological indicators are used in appropriate combination with the chemical indicator for the package interior in daily operations.
(1) Information on the sterility assurance level (SAL) is not available.
(2) It cannot act as a substitute for a biological indicator (BI).

It is recommended that the expiration date of sterilized items be set at each institution, taking into consideration the following:
(1) Expiration date due to the deterioration of the packaging materials and functions of the items to be sterilized over time; however, the expiration date of packaging materials is considered to have little effect in the short term, depending on the sterilization and storage conditions.
(2) Occurrence of an event that disrupts sterility retention, such as damage to the packaging material or water damage during post-sterilization handling
(3) Inventory management of devices at each facility

It is recommended that you attach a label or insert a card to display information on the sterilized item. However, if you were to write on the bag directly, you should write on the film surface outside the seal line of the Mekkin Bag using a permanent marker that is not too fine and that will not bleed when sterilized by high-pressure steam.

By writing on the outside of the seal, it is possible to avoid puncturing the Mekkin Bag with the tip of a pen (including a ballpoint pen), which can damage sterility, and the ink from the pen can penetrate the film and adversely affect the contents.
In addition, writing on the film surface will make it easier to check the contents and labeling.

This content is limited to healthcare professionals.

The requested page is intended to provide information to medical personnel in Japan.
It is not intended to apply information to medical personnel and the general public outside Japan.
Thank you for your understanding.

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