Bacterial endotoxin testing by ISO 11737-3

The purpose of cleaning validation studies is to show that reusable medical devices can be reprocessed effectively between uses so that patients are not exposed to pathogens. Depending on the device’s intended use and classification, appropriate reprocessing steps may include cleaning, disinfection, and/or sterilization. For cleaning validation more specifically, the testing procedure consists of three steps: Simulated contamination with artificial soils that accurately reflect clinically relevant soils, such as blood and other bodily fluids. , Cleaning (manual and/or automated), carefully following the manufacturer's instructions for parameters such as detergents, cleaning tools, water quality, and temperature. , Inspection, both visually and using quantitative methods relevant to the test soil (e.g. proteins, total organic carbon, or hemoglobin) to assess whether residual contaminants remain on the device.. Successful cleaning validation is often sufficient for non-critical reusable devices, such as blood pressure cuffs, monitors, and clutches. Semi-critical and critical devices will require further disinfection and/or sterilization validation studies that we can also offer. The displayed example price covers a manual cleaning validation study with 6 reprocessing cycles and cleanability evaluations with visual inspection & protein content measurement. Test protocol formulation and reporting are also included.

ISO 10993-23 is an internationally recognized standard for assessing the irritation potential of medical devices when they come into contact with skin, mucosal membranes, or subcutaneous tissues. Irritation tests performed according to the standard are commonly used to demonstrate compliance with EU MDR and FDA requirements. The appropriate testing approach is chosen based on the body contact site: Skin irritation tests evaluate whether a medical device or material causes localized skin irritation when it comes into direct contact with the skin. Testing can be conducted using in vivo or in vitro methods, depending on the device and the market area. , Intracutaneous reactivity tests are applied to medical devices or materials that penetrate the skin or come into contact with deeper tissues. The goal is to determine whether extracts from such devices cause localized inflammatory responses in the dermis or subcutaneous layers.. The device itself is tested with a direct contact method, when possible. Alternatively, polar and non-polar solvents are used to prepare extracts that simulate potential leachables from the device. The displayed example price includes an in vivo direct skin irritation test performed under GLP. For a more accurate quote, do not hesitate to contact us with a description of your device and any additional requirements you may have for testing (e.g., market area, quality systems, in vivo vs. in vitro methods).

We offer comprehensive test packages for verifying the quality of type II and type IIR face masks according to the EN 14683 standard. The tests included in the packages are required to label face masks with the CE marking. Medical face masks are divided into Types I and II according to their bacterial filtration efficiency. Type I masks are not intended for healthcare professionals, but for the public to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Type II masks are further classified based on whether they are splash-resistant (Type IIR) or not (Type II). To comply with the European Standard EN 14683, Type II face masks must undergo the following quality tests: Bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) - The ability of the face mask to filter the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. The BFE is expressed as the percentage of colony-forming units (cfu) that have passed via aerosol through the facemask. If a face mask consists of two or more areas with different characteristics, these areas will be tested separately., Breathability (Differential pressure) - The amount of differential pressure required to draw air through a measured surface area at a constant flow rate., Microbial cleanliness (Bioburden) - The measurement of colony forming units per gram as per EN ISO 11737-1., Biocompatibility - The medical face mask manufacturer shall complete a biocompatibility evaluation according to ISO 10993-1 as a surface device with limited contact. The applicable toxicology testing regimen shall also be determined.. In addition to the above, Type IIR masks require the following test: Splash resistance - Performed according to ISO 22609, this test determines the ability of a face mask to resist penetration of splashes of liquid at different pressures.. The lower displayed price applies to the Type II mask test package, while the higher price also includes the splash resistance test required for Type IIR masks.

Standard ISO 22196 outlines a method for evaluating the antibacterial activity of plastics and other non-porous surfaces. The procedure involves inoculating the sample with a specified concentration of bacteria, typically Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli, and incubating it under controlled conditions. After incubation, the number of viable bacteria on the test surface is compared to that on an untreated control surface. The difference is quantified as a logarithmic reduction, indicating the level of antibacterial activity. This method is widely recognized as reproducible and consistent, making it a reliable tool for assessing the efficacy of antibacterial treatments in industries such as healthcare, packaging, and consumer products. The lower end of the price range applies to testing with one bacterial strain, while the higher end includes analyses with both S. aureus and E. coli.

The biocompatibility of medical devices with breathing gas pathways is generally assessed according to ISO 18562 standards. Measurlabs offers tests according to this standard family, including the following: ISO 18562-2: Tests for emissions of particulate matter (PM), ISO 18562-3: Tests for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Our experts are happy to help with any questions related to the tests and prepare a quote for you. Contact us with your testing needs through the form below, and we will get back to you shortly.

The bacterial reverse mutation (AMES) test is used to evaluate the genotoxic effect of a medical device or its extract when in contact with a bacterial suspension. The test is conducted according to OECD 471 and ISO 10993-3 by exposing a bacterial suspension of Salmonella spp and Escherichia coli to 5 concentrations of the medical device or its pure extracts. The AMES test is a preliminary "screening test" for genotoxicity. A full genotoxicity evaluation usually includes testing the device with two in vitro methods, of which AMES is typically performed first. An additional in vivo method can be used if needed. Measurlabs can support you with the full genotoxicity evaluation. Please contact our experts for a quote.

Pyrogenicity assessment by ISO 10993-11 to evaluate the material-mediated pyrogenic (i.e., fever-inducing) potential of medical devices. Material-mediated pyrogenicity tests focus on non-endotoxin-related substances, including bacterial exotoxins, endogenous pyrogens, prostaglandin, neurotransmitters, and metal salts. These can be studied using in vitro assays, where the fever-inducing potential is evaluated using cells, or in vivo rabbit pyrogen tests, where the animal's body temperature is monitored upon exposure to device extracts. Measurlabs provides testing using the following methods: Material-mediated pyrogenicity - In vivo (rabbit), Material-mediated pyrogenicity - In vitro (MAT, Monocyte Activation Test). Please ask for a quote for your medical device. We also offer Bacterial endotoxin tests (ISO 11737-3) to evaluate endotoxin-related pyrogenicity.

Wound dressings are applied to open wounds acquired through trauma or surgery to absorb excess wound exudate, and to protect the wound from further mechanical damage and infection. Appropriate testing of different types of wound dressings, including gauzes, hydrogels, films, foam dressings, and hydrocolloid dressings, is required for approval both in the European Union (MDR) and the United States (510(k) submission to the FDA). The EN 13726 standard contains test methods to assess important characteristics of wound dressings including absorption, moisture transmission rate of permeable film wound and fixation dressings, waterproofness, and extensibility. These methods are conducted in vitro, and involve testing the dressing materials under different physical and chemical parameters. We are currently offering the following tests under EN 13726: Annex B and C - Free swell absorptive capacity and fluid retention, Annex D - Absorption under compression, Annex E and O - Fluid handling capacity with air expulsion, Annex F - Fluid donation of amorphous hydrogel dressings, Annex G - Dispersion characteristics of gelling dressings, Annex H and I - Moisture vapor transmission rate of wound dressings, Annex J - Waterproofness, Annex K - Extensibility and permanent set.

Bacterial endotoxin tests, also known as Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) tests, are used to detect endotoxins in pharmaceuticals to evaluate the pyrogenic potential of the material, especially for batch release. Endotoxins are components of gram-negative bacteria that are common contaminants in manufacturing processes. Several methods can be used to detect and quantify bacterial endotoxins: Kinetic turbidimetric assay, Chromogenic method, Kinetic chromogenic assay , Gel-clot method. The displayed price includes one routine LAL assay per sample with a chromogenic method according to USP <85> or EP 2.6.14 (Ph. Eur 2.6.14). Please ask for a quote for the validation. We can also offer custom bacterial endotoxin test packages tailored to your needs, especially for large sample volumes. Please ask for a quote for your samples!

Sterility testing measures the growth of microorganisms on a product after the product has been sterilized. ISO 11737-2 is a harmonized standard for evaluating the sterility of medical devices by the EU Medical Device Regulation, as well as an FDA-recognized consensus standard for supporting 510(k) submissions. A sterile device or product is free from viable microorganisms. The purpose of sterilization is to inactivate microbiological contaminants to transform devices from a non-sterilized to a sterilized state. Sterility can be assessed when defining, validating, or maintaining a sterilization process. Testing by ISO 11737-2 includes method validation by determining the initial bacterial count of control suspensions and testing the suitability of the culture mediums for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and fungi. Also, the suitability of the test for the specific product is assessed. This example testing package includes following: Testing of 3 identical specimens, Detecting the presence of aerobic, anaerobic microbes, and fungi (yeast and molds), Validation of the sterility determination technique, The results are given as negative (no growth observed) or positive (growth observed), and the price includes one result per micro-organism per product.. We can also offer a custom sterility test package for your needs, especially for large sample volumes. Please ask our experts for a quotation and estimated turnaround time