ISO 23328-2:2002

Overview

ISO 23328-2:2002 is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that specifies essential non-filtration requirements for breathing system filters (BSF) used in anaesthetic and respiratory care. Unlike Part 1 of ISO 23328, which focuses on filtration performance, this Part 2 covers critical aspects including connectors, leakage, pressure resistance, packaging, marking, and manufacturer information.

This standard ensures that BSFs meet safety and usability criteria when integrated into clinical breathing systems. It is vital for manufacturers, healthcare providers, and regulatory bodies aiming to guarantee the reliability and safety of breathing system filters beyond their filtration efficiency.

Key Topics

• Connection Ports
  ISO 23328-2 mandates that BSF breathing system and patient connection ports comply with ISO 5356-1 standards, ensuring compatibility and safety when connecting to breathing circuits. Accessory ports must be designed to prevent misuse, avoiding connections to standard conical connectors and must include closure means to maintain system integrity.

• Pressure Drop and Leakage Testing
  The standard defines protocols for measuring the pressure drop across the BSF at specified flow rates, correlating to adult and pediatric usage, which is critical for ensuring minimal respiratory resistance. Additionally, the BSF must undergo leakage testing to certify airtightness, supporting safe clinical performance.

• Packaging Requirements
  Sterile BSFs must conform to the packaging requirements of ISO 11607, assuring product sterility integrity during storage and transport. Packaging must also be clearly marked to facilitate healthcare worker identification and enable proper storage and handling.

• Marking and Symbols
  BSFs and their packaging are required to carry clear, standardized markings including orientation arrows, manufacturer information, single-use indicators, and safety symbols per ISO 15223 and ISO 7000. These markings provide essential guidance for proper application in clinical settings.

• Manufacturer Information
  Detailed instructions must be supplied, covering usage parameters such as tidal volume ranges, pressure drops, internal volume, leakage rates, maintenance (for reusable components), potential hazards, cleaning protocols, and disposal guidelines. Clear warnings about possible risks, especially relating to inhalants or connector misuse, are mandated to safeguard patients and healthcare professionals.

Applications

ISO 23328-2:2002 applies specifically to breathing system filters used in anaesthetic and respiratory therapies where filters form part of clinical breathing circuits. Its focus is on guaranteeing the integrity, safety, and effective interface of the BSF within these systems by regulating non-filtration factors that directly impact patient safety and device reliability. This includes:

• Use in operating rooms for ventilation during anaesthesia.
• Critical respiratory care apparatus in intensive care units.
• Breathing circuits in diagnostic and therapeutic respiratory procedures.
• Devices integrated with mechanical ventilators and oxygen delivery systems.

This standard aids manufacturers in designing BSFs that minimize respiratory effort for patients, prevent gas leaks, and ensure compatibility with existing medical connectors and equipment, thereby minimizing clinical risks.

Related Standards

ISO 23328-2:2002 complements several international standards crucial to anaesthetic and respiratory equipment:

• ISO 23328-1 – Specifies the salt test method for evaluating the filtration performance of breathing system filters.
• ISO 5356-1 & ISO 5356-2 – Define the specifications for conical and screw-threaded connectors used in anaesthetic and respiratory devices, ensuring interchangeability.
• ISO 9360-1 – Addresses heat and moisture exchangers (HMEs), relevant for understanding pressure drop testing methods referenced in ISO 23328-2.
• ISO 11607 – Specifies packaging requirements for terminally sterilized medical devices, directly related to sterile BSF packaging.
• ISO 15223 & ISO 7000 – Provide standardized symbols and markings for medical device labeling, referenced for BSF marking requirements.
• IEC 60601-1 – Covers general safety requirements for medical electrical equipment, including aspects applicable to BSF safety under flammable anaesthetic use.

Keywords: ISO 23328-2, breathing system filters, anaesthetic use, respiratory equipment, non-filtration aspects, pressure drop, leakage testing, packaging standards, connector ports, medical device labeling, clinical breathing system filters, ISO breathing filters standard.