Sterilized using aseptic processing (STERILE A)
The standard’s wording, as the sources below reproduce it:
“Indicates a medical device that has been manufactured using accepted aseptic techniques.”
ISO 15223-1:2021, 5.2.2 · ISO 7000-2500
What it means for you
Instead of being sterilised in its final pack, the product was made and filled under aseptic (germ-free) conditions — typical for liquids and gels that would not survive heat or radiation.
Whether a device is right for you is a question for your pharmacist, nurse or doctor.
- What it looks like
- A STERILE box with an extra cell holding the letter A.
- Where you see it
- Liquids and gels that could not survive sterilisation in their final container; the label shows STERILE A instead of EO or R.
- Other names
- STERILE A; aseptically processed
What it does not tell you
It does not name a sterilisation method applied to the finished pack, and it does not cover the product after opening.
Often confused with
Indicates a medical device that has been subjected to a sterilization process.
More symbols in “The word STERILE”
Sources
ISO 15223-1 is a paid standard, so the wording above is quoted as 3 publishers’ public documents reproduce it. Each was fetched and read on the date shown:
- Boston Scientific: Symbols Glossary — ISO 15223-1 5.2.2 “Sterilized using aseptic processing techniques — Indicates a medical device that has been manufactured using accepted aseptic techniques.” Image labelled ISO 7000-2500. Checked 2026-09-25.
- NE Scientific: Master Symbol Glossary (CTF-100011 Rev 01) — Shows the STERILE | A box for reference no. 5.2.2 (ISO 7000-2500). Checked 2026-09-25.
- Cook Medical: Glossary of standard symbols — ISO 15223-1 5.2.2 “Sterilized using aseptic processing techniques”. Checked 2026-09-25.
Plain-language parts are in our own words; quotations are the sources’ wording.