Medical packaging is a product packaging variety designed exclusively for the storage and distribution of medications and medical devices. Drugs, disposable medical devices like otoscope attachments, cotton balls and all other consumable or disposable products used in healthcare contexts must be packaged in materials that meet strict standards of sterility and hypoallergenicity.
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Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, pharmacies and dental care offices all make extensive use of medical packaging. Medical packaging is strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration as well as by the ISO and CE. Medical packaging products are sometimes referred to as sterile barrier systems and can be designed to accommodate oral solids (pills) as well as liquids like cough syrup, ampoules and serums. Medical devices like inhalers, syringes, scissors and scalpels are always packaged in air-tight plastic containers before use. Unit dose blister packs are a safe and inexpensive way to keep pills separated into single doses. Plastic bottles with threaded twist-off, child-proof caps are also a way to package medicine. Tools and instruments used by medical professionals are often sterilized and then sealed in a plastic film with tear-able foil or paper backing.
Medical packaging can come from a few places. Packaged medicines can be obtained at pharmacies, clinics, hospitals and on the shelves of grocery stores, retail centers and even gas stations. Most packaging for non-prescription medication is manufactured by plastic molding companies that serve drug manufacturers. A handful of thermoforming (heat forming) processes are used to create packaging for single-dose medicines like fever or pain reducers and decongestants. Injection molding can be used for more complex packaging designs, though vacuum forming is a more common method. Thermoformed, single dose packages are inexpensively produced but may not be appropriate for the packaging of some medications. Some prescription medications like contraceptives are packaged in single dose packages, though many prescription drugs are distributed in plastic bottles, which are more tamper-resistant and child-proof than single dose packaging materials. Many hospitals make use of on-site repackaging materials and equipment. Sterilized, reusable medical devices often must be repackaged in air-tight packaging, so hospitals make use of sealing machines that re-package tools, equipment and instruments after they have been cleaned and sanitized.
