Depyrogenation or Dry Heat Sterilization

It goes without saying that for many businesses, sterilization is a vastly important procedurenot
only in the medical field, with which it is most commonly associated, but in a number of other
sectors including pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics and electronics. Yet the sterilization process is
far from a straightforward one, as there is no universally applicable method of rendering
materials free from dangerous organisms.

To a large extent, the physical composition of the product's material determines the sterilization method that must be
used. Some materials will become warped or otherwise damaged during certain types of sterilization methods, while
other materials simply do not allow sufficient penetration of steam or chemical sterilizing agents.
One useful method is known as depyrogenation, or dry heat sterilization. This is a procedure that provides
effective results on moisture sensitive products, where competing sterilizing procedures fail. Let's explore
depyrogenation in more detail.
What Are Pyrogens?
Depyrogenation refers to a sterilization process that eliminates pyrogens. So what exactly are pyrogens? In essence,
a pyrogen is any substance that induces a fever; it can refer to a substance that originates either outside or inside the
body. Pyrogens vary in the degree of danger they pose to human beings, but some can trigger potentially lethal
complications. Therefore, ensuring that medical devices and other sensitive materials are free of pyrogens is a
paramount concern.

For more information, please contact:

6 Warner Rd.
Warner, NH 03278
(603) 456-2011
info@madgetech.com

Depyrogenation or Dry Heat Sterilization

What Is Depyrogenation?
Depyrogenation, or dry heat sterilization, involves generating extremely high temperatures in a chamber to remove
pyrogens from the materials to be treated. There are two types of chambers used for this purpose. The static air
design features heated coils at the bottom of the chamber, which allow heat to rise naturally and penetrate the
materials. On the other hand, a forced air unit uses a blower to ensure optimal circulation of heated air inside the
chamber. Both methods provide the same result: the destruction of organisms on the treated material.
This process works well with non-aqueous, heat-stable materials that do not respond sufficiently to steam- or
moisture-based sterilization. Materials commonly subjected to depyrogenation include (but are not limited to) needles,
surgical instruments, powders, glass products, and oils. However, any products sterilized in this manner must be able
to endure high temperatures without sustaining damage.
To be performed correctly, the depyrogenation process takes a substantial amount of time to complete, with very
specific temperature requirements that must be met. It is essential that depyrogenation data loggers are used to
measure, record and confirm results for effective sterilization.
Depyrogenation provides many important benefits and is an inexpensive, environmentally friendly option for ensuring
the safety of many sensitive materials.
Benefits of Depyrogenation
Inexpensive Though fairly time-consuming, depyrogenation is also reasonably inexpensive when compared with
many alternative sterilization methods.
Easy Installation Depyrogenation cabinets can be set up and maintained with little problem.
Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly Because heat is the sterilizing agent, depyrogenation uses no hazardous chemicals or
other environmentally damaging substances.
How MadgeTech Can Help
To ensure the efficacy of dry heat sterilization, it is essential to monitor the temperature of the chamber continuously
during the process. MadgeTech's ThermoVault140 is a data logging system that has been engineered to endure
extreme temperatures as high as 350 C (662 F) in a dry heat sterilization chamber or tunnel. It's highly effective in
virtually any kind of depyrogenation treatment process.

For more information, please contact:

6 Warner Rd.
Warner, NH 03278
(603) 456-2011
info@madgetech.com