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Frequently Asked Questions

For immediate assistance, we’ve procured a list of frequently asked questions. Review questions and answers below to improve your knowledge and experience with Whirl-Pak. If you are unable to find answers to your inquiry, please submit questions or concerns through our Contact Us page.

  1. How should I place my order (which phone number, which website, which fax number)?
  2. Who can I talk to if I have questions?
  3. What are the bags made of?
  4. How are the bags sterilized?
  5. What are puncture proof tabs?
  6. Why do Whirl-Pak® bags have a continuous perimeter seal?
  7. What is the shelf life of Whirl-Pak® bags?
  8. Does the perforation on the bag affect sterility?
  9. What does sodium thiosulfate do in the Thio-Bag®?
  10. Are there Whirl-Pak® Stomacher Bags?
  11. Are all Whirl-Pak® bags FDA approved?
  12. Are Whirl-Pak® bags ISO Certified?
  13. Does the perforation on bags present a problem?
  14. What are the advantages of the Stand Up bags?
  15. Can you put a microorganism into the Whirl-Pak® bag and then subject it to high-pressure shockwaves to remove the bacteria?
  16. Do you have documentation on the shelf life and sterilization of Whirl-Pak bags?
  17. Are Whirl-Pak bags tested for endotoxins?
  18. Are Whirl-Pak bags non-fluorescing?


1. How should I place my order?

If you are an approved Distribution Partner, you may use the following information to submit orders:

Phone: +1.920.568.5616

Email: [email protected]

If you are interested in purchasing Whirl-Pak products, we encourage you to contact an approved distributor for pricing and purchasing information. Looking for a list of approved distributors? Submit request for an updated list here.


2. Who can I talk to if I have questions?

Please call us at +1.920.568.5616 or email us at [email protected]

We’re happy to help.


3. What are the bags made of?

Blended, virgin polyethylene.


4. How are the bags sterilized?

Whirl-Pak sterilized bags are put through a +1 Sterilization process unlike other claimed ‘sterile’ and ‘sterilized’ bags on the market. Whirl-Pak bags are sent to a certified sterilization facility for medical instrumentation where they go through a ethylene oxide sterilization process. Ethylene Oxide (EO or ETO) is capable of sterilizing and rendering products free of viable microorganisms.


To download your documentation of sterility, available for every box, enter your lot number here to download your sterility documentation.


5. What are puncture proof tabs?

The tape and wire at the top of a closure bag is called the tab; the wire ends of the tab are covered with tape, by a patented process, which eliminates the sharp points and minimizes bag puncture, damage to gloves, and scratching the hands of field technicians collecting the samples, and the techs in the lab.


6. Why do Whirl-Pak® bags have a continuous perimeter seal?

Through innovation and quality testing, Nasco Sampling discovered that sealing two flat pieces of film together with a continuous seal virtually eliminated corner leaks in the bag. Because the seal is all on one plane and does not fold, which happens when sealing tube film, the seal is stronger and less prone to leakage.


7. What is the shelf life of Whirl-Pak® bags?

Our sterilized bags have a five-year shelf life and our hydrated sponge bags have a two-year shelf life. For product specific information, please visit product in question by browsing the website.


8. Does the perforation on the bag affect sterility?

Because the bags are packaged in a liner bag in the box, sterility is protected during shipping and handling. When the bags are used, the liner is opened, bags(s) removed, opened, sample placed inside, and bag is closed. Also because the perforation is so small, it is an accepted laboratory practice to have bags out of the carton without affecting sterility.


9. What does sodium thiosulfate do in the Thio Bag®?

The sodium thiosulfate tablet neutralizes chlorine in the water sample, allowing bacteria to show up during testing. The 40 mg tablet contains 10 mg of active sodium thiosulfate. The shelf life of the tablet in the bag is five-years, however if the tablet is broken or crumbled due to excessive humidity, the bag should not be used. Thio Bags® should be stored in ambient conditions to minimize moisture permeating through the bag.


10. Are there Whirl-Pak® Stomacher Bags?

Several styles are designed specifically for use in homogenizer blenders. Bags made of the thicker film including Standard bags, Write-On bags, and Filter bags.


11. Are all Whirl-Pak® bags FDA approved?

Yes, all Whirl-Pak® bags are approved for food contact.


12. Are Whirl-Pak® bags ISO Certified?

Whirl-Pak® bags are manufactured under a quality management system certified to ISO 9001.


13. Does the perforation on bags present a problem?

The bags are packaged in a closed liner bag, so the sterility is not compromised during shipping. Second, because the perforation is so small, it is difficult for contamination to occur.


14. What are the advantages of the Stand Up bags?

With the ability to stand up by itself, the bag can be placed on a surface without the need for rack or other device to keep it upright. The technician has both hands free to work with the sample, providing greater efficiency and savings of time and money. The possibility of losing the sample due to spilling, or contamination occuring, is greatly reduced. Collecting samples in the field is much easier to do, because the bag can be set down almost anywhere once it is filled with the sample. Almost any sample collection done with jars, can now be done with the Whirl-Pak® Stand Up bags.


15. Can you put a microorganism into the Whirl-Pak® bag and then subject it to high-pressure shockwaves to remove the bacteria?

The process involves putting the organism into the bag, then submerging it in water and then subjecting them to the shockwaves. Our only concern is that is there is a pressure applied to the bag, it may be forced open. Submersing it in water is no problem; people do this all the time with our bags. We are not familiar with shock waves and how they would impact the bag. Any of the 4-mil bags would have the thickest film; the perimeter seal would be equal on all of them. We can send samples to try.


16. Do you have documentation on the shelf life and sterilization of Whirl-Pak bags?

Download Whirl-Pak bag Shelf Life and Sterilization Information, or specifically, Thio Bag® Shelf Life Information.


17. Are Whirl-Pak bags tested for endotoxins?

Because endotoxins can come from anywhere at any time, Whirl-Pak bags are not tested for their presence. The bags are sterilized after manufacturing with ethylene oxide gas which will eliminate contamination from endotoxins, and protect the sample once it is places inside the bag. Parametric Release Process is used to verify sterility.


18. Are Whirl-Pak bags non-fluorescing?

Whirl-Pak bags have no fluorescence, this is one of many advantages Whirl-Pak bags have over flasks.


Learn about the Whirl-Pak difference
Learn about the Whirl-Pak difference.