Porous polymer manufacturer Porex (Fairburn, Ga.) said it has partnered with Guangdong Xianfeng Medical Technology to develop a sterile container that will improve the autoclave sterilization process for surgical instruments in China. The container has a robust, reusable sterilization filter designed by Porex to block bacteria without the need for filter replacements, according to the company.

Sterile containers are used in hospitals, dental offices, outpatient centers, as well as other medical practices to sterilize surgical instruments and maintain sterility until use in surgery. About one in 31 hospital patients acquires a healthcare-associated infection (HAI) on any given day as a result of poor cleaning or disinfecting practices around a surgical procedure at a healthcare facility, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Porex said it designed the Virtek venting and filter component from its proprietary, medical-grade, 3D-sintered PTFE hydrophobic membrane. The filter, which is made up of particles fused together through heat and pressure, does not require supporting layers (or a scrim), unlike expanded PTFE film. It has high airflow for optimal venting during the autoclave sterilization process and high bacterial filtration efficiency to maintain sterile integrity during transport and storage, according to the company.

The vent and reusable filter can withstand repeated autoclave sterilization cycles to improve efficiency and convenience for healthcare workers who no longer have to replace single-use paper or textile filters, Porex added.

“Life-saving and health betterment procedures often leave patients vulnerable to HAIs, which can have a devastating emotional, financial and medical impact; at times, these infections can even lead to death,” said Michael Lei, Porex’s commercial leader for greater China, in a prepared statement. “Our Porex Virtek PTFE venting solution challenges the industry standard material and allows for greater infection control. We are excited to collaborate with Xianfeng to create a more durable and reliable product that contributes to greater patient safety.”

Porex is part of the Life Sciences division of Filtration Group.