Kia Bertula

Medical Devices & Pharmaceuticals

PhD in Applied Physics

Kia Bertula

Kia Bertula is a testing expert in Measurlabs’ medical devices team, supporting customers with chemical characterization and biocompatibility evaluations. In addition, she handles the majority of pharmaceutical testing projects, from nitrosamine impurity screening to stability and sterility studies.

Kia received a PhD in applied physics from Aalto University in 2022 with a thesis titled “Polymer and gel networks: From self-assembly to structure, properties, and application.”

Academic publications

Kia co-authored several articles during her time at Aalto University's Molecular Materials Group, including the following:

Kia’s latest articles in our blog

Kia Bertula
Kia Bertula

February 10, 2025

Nitrosamine impurity analysis of pharmaceuticals by EMA and FDA guidelines

Pharmaceutical manufacturers must ensure that their products do not contain nitrosamine impurities in amounts exceeding the limits set by the EMA or the FDA.

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Nitrosamine impurity analysis of pharmaceuticals by EMA and FDA guidelines
Kia Bertula
Kia Bertula

December 11, 2024

Medical device extractables and leachables testing by MDR requirements

Characterization of extractables and leachables helps medical device manufacturers evaluate the risks that arise from the chemical composition of the device.

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Medical device extractables and leachables testing by MDR requirements

Read articles by our experts and guest authors on the practical implications of regulations, scientific advancements, and the ideal uses of different analysis methods.

Kia’s top testing services

Osmolarity measurement

Determination of osmolarity of liquid samples using a freezing point osmometer according to the European Pharmacopoeia method Ph. Eur 2.2.35. Osmolarity is defined as the number of osmols per liter of liquid, reflecting the total number of dissolved ionic and molecular substances present in the solution in molarity. The results of the analysis are reported in mOsm/L. NOTE: The total concentration of the solute in the product needs to be provided (expressed in g/mL), as this information is necessary for the calculation of osmolarity. Without this information, only the product's osmolality (mOsm/kg) can be determined. If the product is a powder, please provide instructions for the preparation of the solution. Analysis can also be performed under GMP - please ask us for an offer.
250 €
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Osmolality measurement

The osmolality of liquid samples is determined using a freezing point osmometer according to the Ph. Eur 2.2.35 method. Osmolality is the number of osmols per kilogram of liquid, and it reflects the total number of dissolved ionic and molecular compounds present in a kilogram of solution. The results of the analysis are reported in mOsm/kg. The analysis includes the determination of relative density, as the value is necessary to calculate osmolality. NOTE: If the product is in powder form, please provide instructions for preparing the solution. Analysis can also be performed under GMP - ask for an offer from our experts.
250 €
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Nitrosamines in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics

Nitrosamines are organic compounds formed by a nitrosating reaction between certain amines and nitrosating agents in acidic conditions. While they are not intentionally added to products, nitrosamines may end up in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics as impurities when manufacturing or storage conditions are conducive to their formation. As many nitrosamines are highly potent carcinogens, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) require pharmaceutical companies to assess the risk of nitrosamine impurity presence in pharmaceutical products, including Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and finished products. An updated list of maximum acceptable intake (AI) levels for known nitrosamine impurities to be monitored in Europe can be found in Appendix 1 to EMA's latest guidance document. For US rules, see the FDA's list of recommended AI limits. We can provide nitrosamine testing for various products and matrices. The displayed price example is for a routine analysis (non-GMP) of one sample including screening of the following nitrosamines: NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine), NMEA (N-Nitrosomethylethylamine), NPYR (N-Nitrosopyrrolidine), NDEA (N-Nitrosodiethylamine), NPIP (N-Nitrosopiperidine), NMOR (N-Nitrosomorpholine), NDPA (N-Nitrosodi-n-propylamine), NDELA (N-Nitrosodiethanolamine), NDIPLA/NBHPA (N-Nitrosodiisopropanolamine). New samples/products might need a feasibility study before routine testing. Please ask for a quote for the feasibility study and GMP analyses. We can also offer custom nitrosamine test packages tailored to your needs, especially for large sample volumes. Please ask for a quote for your samples!
414 €
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Pyrogenicity testing by ISO 10993-11

ISO 10993-11
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.
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