--- title: Protecting Your Device From Gas, Moisture, & UV light description: The barrier layer plays a pivotal role in protecting sensitive medical devices and diagnostic tests from external contaminants. It is particularly important for diagnostic tests, which require protection to maintain their accuracy and reliability.   image: https://www.oliverhcp.com/hubfs/Image%20Foils-02.jpg --- [Skip to Main Content](https://www.oliverhcp.com/news-and-resources/packtalk/protecting-your-device-from-gas-moisture-uv-light#main-content) Language ![](https://www.oliverhcp.com/hubfs/down_arrow.svg) English ESPAÑOL DEUTSCH FRANÇAIS 日本語 한국어 中文 - [PackTalk ](https://www.oliverhcp.com/packtalk/) - [ISO Certifications & Product Documents ](https://www.oliverhcp.com/iso-certifications-and-product-documents) [![Oliver_Logo_4clr_RGB_NoTag 1](https://www.oliverhcp.com/hubfs/Oliver_Logo_4clr_RGB_NoTag%201.svg "Oliver_Logo_4clr_RGB_NoTag 1")](https://oliverhcp.com) Toggle Menu Search Site Search Site Search [ Contact Us ](https://www.oliverhcp.com/contact) Phone Close **Website Settings** - No Animations [![](https://www.oliverhcp.com/hubfs/Oliver-logo-half.svg) ](https://www.oliverhcp.com/) [![](https://www.oliverhcp.com/hubfs/phone.svg) 833.465.4837](tel:833.465.4837) Language ![](https://www.oliverhcp.com/hubfs/down_arrow.svg) ENGLISH 中文 ESPAÑOL DEUTSCH FRANÇAIS 日本語 한국어 [PackTalk](https://www.oliverhcp.com/packtalk/) SEARCH![](https://www.oliverhcp.com/hubfs/icon-search.svg) #### Expanded Stock Pouch Program ![](https://www.oliverhcp.com/hubfs/43.png) Expedited shipping from a partner you trust, now with more pouch options in a variety of sizes and materials. 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[Learn More](https://www.oliverhcp.com/stockpouchprogram) [![logo-pack-talk-2](https://www.oliverhcp.com/hubfs/logo-pack-talk-2.svg) ](https://www.oliverhcp.com/packtalk/) # Protecting Your Device From Gas, Moisture, & UV light [ Charlotte Mavor | Sr. Product Portfolio Manager | Oliver Healthcare Packaging ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-mavor/) Published on: 06/11/2024 Share:  [![](https://www.oliverhcp.com/hubfs/LinkedIn%20Icon.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https://www.oliverhcp.com/news-and-resources/packtalk/protecting-your-device-from-gas-moisture-uv-light) [![](https://www.oliverhcp.com/hubfs/FB%20Icon.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.oliverhcp.com/news-and-resources/packtalk/protecting-your-device-from-gas-moisture-uv-light) [![](https://www.oliverhcp.com/hubfs/Email%20Icon.svg)](mailto:?subject=I%20wanted%20to%20share%20this%20great%20article&body=The%20article%20I%20wanted%20to%20share%20-%20https://www.oliverhcp.com/news-and-resources/packtalk/protecting-your-device-from-gas-moisture-uv-light) In our blog, [A Film is Not Just A Film](https://www.oliverhcp.com/news-and-resources/packtalk/a-film-is-not-just-film), we discuss how medical packaging is typically composed of multiple layers, each serving a distinct function. The barrier layer is particularly critical in applications where blocking gas, moisture, and UV light is essential. This layer plays a pivotal role in protecting sensitive medical devices and diagnostic tests from external contaminants. It is particularly important for diagnostic tests, which require protection to maintain their accuracy and reliability. In today’s blog, we are going to delve into the importance Aluminum (AL) has as this barrier.      Generally, there are three different elements aluminum will protect devices from:     ![Image Foils-02](https://www.oliverhcp.com/hubfs/Image%20Foils-02.jpg) 1 ## Gas For example, oxygen can have detrimental effects on many medical products, particularly those involving biochemical reactions or sensitive components. Exposure to oxygen can lead to oxidation, which can degrade the product and impact its functionality. In diagnostic tests, oxidation can alter the reagents, leading to inaccurate results. Aluminum has excellent oxygen barrier properties, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the packaged product.  2 ## Moisture Moisture is another critical factor that can affect medical products. Diagnostic tests that rely on color changes are particularly susceptible to humidity, which can cause premature reactions or degrade the reagents. A high moisture barrier is essential to maintain the stability of these products.  Materials like aluminum are commonly used for moisture barriers. AL provides an excellent barrier against moisture, both keeping the moisture out when needed and keeping moisture in if the devices need to stay lubricated.   3 ## UV Light UV light can cause photodegradation, leading to the breakdown of materials and active ingredients in medical products. For diagnostic tests that change color, UV exposure can result in false positives or negatives, compromising the test's accuracy.  The AL barrier layer is highly effective in blocking UV light. Its reflective properties ensure that UV radiation does not penetrate the packaging, thereby protecting the sensitive components inside.  In medical packaging, when aluminum serves as the barrier layer it is a silent guardian, protecting sensitive products from the perils of gas, moisture, and UV light. By understanding and selecting the appropriate materials, manufacturers can ensure the reliability and effectiveness of their medical products, ultimately safeguarding patient health. The next time you search packaging for a diagnostic test or medical device, remember the crucial role that the barrier layer plays in preserving its integrity and performance.   Share:  [![](https://www.oliverhcp.com/hubfs/LinkedIn%20Icon.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https://www.oliverhcp.com/news-and-resources/packtalk/protecting-your-device-from-gas-moisture-uv-light) [![](https://www.oliverhcp.com/hubfs/FB%20Icon.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.oliverhcp.com/news-and-resources/packtalk/protecting-your-device-from-gas-moisture-uv-light) [![](https://www.oliverhcp.com/hubfs/Email%20Icon.svg)](mailto:?subject=I%20wanted%20to%20share%20this%20great%20article&body=The%20article%20I%20wanted%20to%20share%20-%20https://www.oliverhcp.com/news-and-resources/packtalk/protecting-your-device-from-gas-moisture-uv-light) ## Stay up to date with PackTalk! 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