Mouse lymphoma assay (MLA) for genotoxicity evaluation

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.

ISO 10993-3 is an internationally recognized standard for evaluating the potential of medical devices and their components to cause irreversible genetic damage during clinical use. A genotoxicity assessment in accordance with the standard is generally required for devices that come into the following types of contact with the human body: Prolonged (>24 h to 30 d) or long-term (>30 d) contact with tissues, bone, or dentin, Long-term contact with mucosal membranes or breached surfaces, Long-term indirect contact with blood, Contact of any duration with circulating blood. The assessment encompasses a review of existing safety data, including results from chemical characterization and toxicological studies. Testing is required if existing data do not adequately cover all potential risks.  Genotoxicity tests evaluate the potential of the device to induce gene mutations or chromosomal damage. As a single test cannot detect all genotoxins, the evaluation should include at least two in vitro tests: A bacterial reverse mutation test (Ames) is typically performed first as a quick screening test., Another in vitro assay, such as the Mouse Lymphoma Assay (MLA) or the Mammalian Cell Micronucleus test (MNT), is then performed to capture genotoxic compounds not detected in the Ames test.. Further in vitro or in vivo tests, such as in vivo chromosomal aberration (OECD 475) or in vivo transgenic rodent mutagenicity (OECD 488) assays, may be required if genotoxic effects are observed in the initial two in vitro tests. Test selection depends on several factors, including device type, contact category, exposure duration, market area, and possible cytotoxicity of device extracts. Measurlabs provides both the genotoxicity tests listed above and expert support for developing a testing plan. Please contact us using the form below to get a quote.

The mammalian cell micronucleus test (MNT) is an in vitro assay commonly used to evaluate the potential genotoxicity of a medical device or its extract. Following OECD 487 and ISO 10993-3, the test evaluates chromosomal damage (clastogenicity or aneuploidy) by detecting the number of micronuclei after cell division. The larger the number of microscopically visible micronuclei in the cell, the higher the genotoxic potential. Together with the Ames test, MNT is often one of the two initial in vitro methods to evaluate medical device genotoxicity. The test can be performed in vitro in mammalian or human cells, and in some cases as an in vivo test. Measurlabs can support you with the full genotoxicity evaluation. Please get in touch with our experts for a quote.

The purpose of this study is to determine the potential hemolytic activity (i.e., ability to cause damage to red blood cells) of a medical device and its extracts. As recommended by the ASTM F756 standard, the device is tested in parallel for indirect and direct contact, which means that both the device and its extracts are brought into contact with blood during testing. However, one of these exposure routes can be excluded if the choice is justified by the device’s intended use. Hemolytic potential is assessed by measuring the amount of free plasma hemoglobin in blood after exposure to the test article. Elevated levels indicate a hemolytic effect.

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, which 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.

We have various testing services available for ultrapure water. Pricing depends on the selected parameters and the number of samples. Please contact Measurlabs to get an offer. Note that we will provide suitable shipping containers based on the analyses that are ordered. Trace elements by ICP-MS For the determination of elemental impurities, we offer a basic 36-element and an extended 67-element package. The basic package includes the following 36 elements: Li, Be, B, Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Sr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ba, Ta, W, Pt, Au, Tl, Pb, and Bi. The extended analysis includes the following elements in addition to the basic package: Ce, Cs, Dy, Er, Eu, Gd, Hf, Ho, In, Ir, La, Lu, Hg, Nd, Os, Pd, Pr, Re, Rh, Rb, Ru, Sm, Sc, Se, Te, Tb, Th, Tm, U, Yb, and Y. Reporting limits depend on the element and specific sample matrix, but typically vary between 0.001 ppb and 0.6 ppb. For this analysis, samples must be delivered in Teflon containers. Hardness Hardness value can be calculated based on the ICP-MS results. Silicon and silica (Si, SiO2) Our service catalog includes the determination of total, dissolved, and colloidal silica (SiO2). Total silicon is analyzed using the ICP-OES technique, and dissolved silicon by UV-VIS (molybdenum heteropoly blue method). Colloidal silica is calculated as the difference between total silica and dissolved silica. Total organic and inorganic carbon (TOC and TIC) We offer TOC determination for ultrapure water samples with a 5 ppb quantification limit. For this analysis, samples must be delivered in certified 40 ml TOC vials. Total inorganic carbon (TIC) analysis can also be performed using a TOC analyzer. Anions by ion chromatography (IC) For anions, we have a basic package and a separate package for organic anions. The basic package includes the following anions: bromide(Br⁻), chloride (Cl⁻), fluoride (F⁻), nitrate (NO₃⁻), nitrite (NO₂⁻), phosphate (PO₄³⁻), and sulfate (SO₄²⁻). Analysis of organic anions includes: acetate, formate, glycolate, propionate, and butyrate. Reporting limits depend on the anion and sample matrix, but typically vary between 0.02 and 1 ppb for basic anions and are around 25 ppb for organic anions. For this analysis, samples must be delivered in HDPE bottles. Cations by ion chromatography (IC) The analysis package for cations includes the determination of the following cations: ammonium (NH4+), calcium (Ca2+), lithium (Li+), magnesium (Mg2+), potassium (K+), and sodium (Na+). Reporting limits typically vary between 2 ppb and 5 ppb. Samples must be delivered in HDPE bottles. PFAS compounds (24 compounds) Analysis includes PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS, and 20 other selected PFAS compounds. The complete list of compounds can be provided upon request. The reporting limit is typically 1 ng/L. The sample must be delivered in a plastic PFAS-free bottle, preferably made from HDPE.

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 apply 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 ISO 11737-3 standard provides internationally recognized guidelines for bacterial endotoxin testing of medical devices. Tests described in the standard can be used to evaluate the pyrogenic potential of medical devices for batch release and to validate manufacturing, cleaning, and sterilization processes in terms of their capacity to prevent endotoxin contamination. The Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) test is the most common approach to endotoxin testing. ISO 11737-3 describes several LAL methods, including kinetic turbidimetric and chromogenic techniques. One routine LAL assay for one sample with a chromogenic method is included in the displayed example price. We can also offer custom bacterial endotoxin test packages, especially for large sample volumes. Please describe your testing needs using the form below to get a quote for your samples.