Ablation and spillage

Although spillages during product dispensing may contribute to ablation, the two hazards are quite different. Ablation can occur in the absence of spillage and will contaminate all internal surfaces of the freeze-drier. As discussed above, ablation is not associated solely with a poorly formulated product but should always be anticipated whenever pathogens or toxins are freeze-dried unless validated physical barriers are interposed between the product and the interior of the freeze-drier. 

Contamination by ablation may be exacerbated by migration of mineral oil from the vacuum pump towards the chamber.Under these conditions infectious particles could be encapsulated by the oil and protected from inactivation when gaseous biocides such as formaldehyde are used to sterilise the freeze-drier. 

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