ISO 11137-1:2006 specifies requirements for the development, validation and routine control of a radiation sterilization process for medical devices. Although the scope of ISO 11137-1:2006 is limited to medical devices, it specifies requirements and provides guidance that may be applicable to other products and equipment.
ISO 11137-1:2006 covers radiation processes employing irradiators using the radionuclide 60Co or 137Cs, a beam from an electron generator or a beam from an X-ray generator.
ISO 11137-1:2006 does not:
specify requirements for development, validation and routine control of a process for inactivating the causative agents of spongiform encephalopathies such as scrapie, bovine spongiform encephalopathy and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
detail specified requirements for designating a medical device as sterile
specify a quality management system for the control of all stages of production of medical devices
specify requirements for occupational safety associated with the design and operation of irradiation facilities
specify requirements for the sterilization of used or reprocessed devices.