ISO 14160:2011 specifies requirements for the characterization of a liquid chemical sterilizing agent and for the development, validation, process control and monitoring of sterilization by liquid chemical sterilizing agents of single-use medical devices comprising, in whole or in part, materials of animal origin.

ISO 14160:2011 covers the control of risks arising from contamination with bacteria and fungi by application of a liquid chemical sterilization process. Risks associated with other microorganisms need to be assessed.

ISO 14160:2011 is not applicable to material of human origin.

ISO 14160:2011 does not describe methods for the validation of the inactivation of viruses and transmissible spongiform encephalopath (TSE) agents.

ISO 14160:2011 does not describe methods for validation of the inactivation, elimination, or elimination and inactivation of protozoa and parasites.

The requirements for validation and routine control described in ISO 14160:2011 are only applicable to the defined sterilization process of a medical device, which is performed after the manufacturing process, and do not take account of the lethal effects of other bioburden reduction steps.

ISO 14160:2011 does not specify tests to establish the effects of any chosen sterilization method upon the fitness for use of the medical device.

ISO 14160:2011 does not cover the level of residual sterilizing agent within medical devices.

ISO 14160:2011 does not describe a quality management system for the control of all stages of manufacture.