Starch, Sterilizable Maize

Synonyms: Bio-sorb; double-dressed, white maize starch; Fluidamid R444P; Keoflo ADP; Meritena; modified starch dusting powder; Pure-Dent B851; starch-derivative dusting powder; sterilizable corn starch.

Description: Sterilizable maize starch occurs as an odorless, white, free-flowing powder. Particles may be rounded or polyhedral in shape.

Chemical Name: Sterilizable maize starch

Diluent; lubricant.

• Sterilizable maize starch is a chemically or physically modified corn (maize) starch that does not gelatinize on exposure to moisture or steam sterilization.

• Sterilizable maize starch is primarily used as a lubricant for examination and surgeons’ gloves, although because of safety concerns unlubricated gloves are now generally recommended.

• It is also used as a vehicle for medicated dusting powders.

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Sterilizable maize starch is primarily used as a lubricant for surgeons’ gloves and as a vehicle for topically applied dusting powders. Granulomatous reactions, peritonitis and inflammation at operation sites have been attributed to contamination with surgical glove powders containing sterilizable maize starch. In addition, glove powder may be a risk factor in the development of latex allergy. As a consequence, it has been suggested that the use of sterilizable maize starch in latex gloves should be prohibited.

See also Starch.

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Eye protection and a dust mask are recommended. Excessive dust generation should be avoided to minimize the risks of explosions.

Starch; starch, pregelatinized.