Filter-Gasket Assembly with Seal and Placement Indicator for Sterilization Rigid Container

A sterilization packaging system having a volume for containing items to be sterilized, the sterilization packaging system comprising:

• a lid having an upper surface defining a perimeter and a lip extending downward from the perimeter, wherein the upper surface comprises a plurality of protrusions, and wherein the lip includes a plurality of upper openings and a plurality of lower openings;
• a base having a lower surface, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a third sidewall, and a fourth side wall extending from the lower surface, wherein the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the third sidewall, and the fourth sidewall terminate at a seal rim defining a perimeter;
• and
• a sealing assembly, wherein the sealing assembly seals the lid to the seal rim of the base, the sealing assembly comprising:
• a gasket having an upper surface, an outer edge, and an inner edge, wherein the upper surface of the gasket is smooth, wherein the upper surface of the gasket and each of the plurality of protrusions on the upper surface of the lid define a channel therebetween,
• a sheet of filter material extending from an inner edge of the gasket, wherein the gasket completely surrounds and partially overlaps the sheet of filter material, wherein each channel defined by each of the plurality of protrusions and the upper surface of the gasket facilitates the delivery of sterilization agent through the sheet of filter material when the sterilization packaging system is sealed with the sealing assembly.