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Indicator, Biological Sterilization Process

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FDA MAUDE adverse event data · 1995–2025

What the Data Shows About Indicator, Biological Sterilization Process

The FDA MAUDE database aggregates 1,469 adverse-event reports for Indicator, Biological Sterilization Process spanning the period from 1995 through 2025. Of these, 0 are classified as death reports, 24 as injury reports, and 1,346 as malfunction reports under FDA adverse-event categorization rules. Report counts do not by themselves indicate a device is unsafe — widely used devices and longer market histories naturally generate larger raw counts, so proportional and comparative reads are more informative than totals alone.

The adverse-event profile breaks down across 4 distinct event types and 4 reported patient-outcome categories, giving a multi-dimensional view that goes beyond a single headline number. A total of 20 distinct product-problem codes appear in the reports, with Appropriate Term/Code Not Available topping the list at 471 reports. Reports are associated with 10 different manufacturers in the MAUDE record, reflecting both OEMs and repackagers of this device category.

Annual reporting volume is tracked across 29 years of MAUDE data, with the peak single-year volume reaching 482 reports — trend shape often reflects changes in device adoption, reporting rules, or FDA enforcement focus rather than underlying device behavior alone. Events are documented across 7 reported care-setting categories (hospital, home, ambulatory surgery center, etc.). All figures reflect the openFDA MAUDE snapshot last refreshed on . This page is informational and is not medical advice — discuss device-safety questions with your healthcare provider.

1,469
Total Reports
0
Death Reports
24
Injury Reports
1,346
Malfunctions

Event Types

Malfunction 1,346 (91.6%)
93 (6.3%)
Injury 24 (1.6%)
Other 6 (0.4%)

Patient Outcomes

1,381 (94.0%)
Other 83 (5.7%)
Required Intervention 3 (0.2%)
Hospitalization 2 (0.1%)

Top Product Problems

Appropriate Term/Code Not Available 471
Chemical Problem 264
Device Operates Differently Than Expected 157
Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem 8
Break 7
Insufficient Information 7
Leak/Splash 7
Environmental Particulates 6
Shelf Life Exceeded 5
Use of Device Problem 5
Component Missing 4
Improper or Incorrect Procedure or Method 3
Contamination /Decontamination Problem 2
Defective Device 2
Device Contamination With Biological Material 2
False Positive Result 2
Incorrect Or Inadequate Test Results 2
Incorrect, Inadequate or Imprecise Result or Readings 2
Material Rupture 2
Problem with Sterilization 2

Yearly Trend

95
1995: 2
96
1996: 3
97
1997: 1
98
1998: 2
99
1999: 2
02
2002: 2
03
2003: 4
04
2004: 3
05
2005: 11
06
2006: 20
07
2007: 100
08
2008: 60
09
2009: 45
10
2010: 57
11
2011: 37
12
2012: 46
13
2013: 39
14
2014: 51
15
2015: 182
16
2016: 482
17
2017: 182
18
2018: 22
19
2019: 30
20
2020: 16
21
2021: 10
22
2022: 9
23
2023: 20
24
2024: 22
25
2025: 9

Related Entities for Indicator, Biological Sterilization Process

Event Locations

I 877 (59.7%)
540 (36.8%)
HOSPITAL 45 (3.1%)
NO INFORMATION 4 (0.3%)
AMBULATORY SURGICAL FACILITY 1 (0.1%)
OTHER 1 (0.1%)
OUTPATIENT TREATMENT FACILITY 1 (0.1%)

Compare ADVANCED STERILIZATION PRODUCTS vs AVAIL MEDICAL PRODUCTS →

Data Source

FDA Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database via the openFDA API. Reports are submitted by manufacturers, healthcare facilities, and patients. Report counts do not indicate a device is unsafe — higher-use devices naturally generate more reports.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Data is sourced from the FDA MAUDE database. Consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on this data.