Sterility Assurance Level

Sterility Assurance Level (SAL) is a measure used in sterilization processes to quantify the probability that a product remains non-sterile after treatment. It is expressed as a decimal, often 10^-6, meaning there is a one in a million chance of a surviving microorganism. Essentially, a higher SAL indicates a more effective sterilization, reducing the risk of infection. It helps manufacturers ensure their products, like medical tools or pharmaceuticals, meet strict safety standards by reliably eliminating harmful microbes.