A personal reflection on how biological evaluation shaped the author’s life, from life-saving but imperfect neonatal blood bags to growth-hormone therapies and early medical devices, and how these experiences now inform a human-centred approach to designing safer, smarter medical technologies…

ISO 10993 and ISO 18562 are complementary biocompatibility standards used to evaluate medical device safety. ISO 10993 focuses on biological risks from materials in contact with tissue, while ISO 18562 addresses inhalation risks from devices delivering breathing gases. Knowing which…

The latest edition of ISO 10993-1:2025 introduces important updates to the biological evaluation of medical devices, strengthening integration with ISO 14971 and introducing revised contact categorisation and biological effects.

Chemical characterisation is a crucial process in assessing the safety and biocompatibility of medical devices by identifying and quantifying the chemicals that make up their materials. Guided by ISO 10993-18, it ensures manufacturers understand potential chemical risks, enabling informed material…

Particulate contamination presents a serious but often overlooked risk to medical device safety, particularly when particles enter the bloodstream. Understanding where particulates originate, how they are extracted and analysed, and which standards define acceptable limits is essential for protecting patients,…

Retesting is costly and avoidable. This article breaks down the 10 most common IFU mistakes that trigger rework, and how to fix them early.

Real-world gaps in IFUs and reprocessing workflows demand strategic action from medtech leaders to protect patients and support SPD teams.

Residual hydrogen peroxide can pose hidden risks in sterilised medical devices, impacting both patient safety and regulatory compliance. ISO 22441 and ISO 10993 standards provide frameworks for assessing toxicological risk, guiding manufacturers through chemical characterisation, extraction studies and Margin of…

While Good Laboratory Practice principles were originally intended for non-clinical studies in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, their scope has expanded to other industries, such as medical devices.

Post-cleaning, any residual ATP is collected from the sample and measured using the ATP bioluminescence monitor

Chemical agents used during medical device cleaning, disinfection, and sterilisation can degrade metals and polymers, leading to corrosion, embrittlement, discoloration, and additive leaching. These changes can compromise performance, safety, and regulatory compliance. Understanding material compatibility, controlling processing parameters, and validating…

Mechanical degradation caused by repeated medical device reprocessing can lead to fatigue, cracking, surface wear, and loss of function. Understanding these risks, and validating durability through service-life testing is essential for safe reuse and regulatory compliance.

Incompatibility between disinfectants and device materials results in equipment damage and higher HAI rates. Understanding and addressing root causes is essential.

Quality testing in medical devices ensures safety, compliance, and performance from concept to market. By verifying material integrity, chemical safety, and mechanical strength, it prevents failures and builds confidence in device reliability. It’s a strategic investment that protects patients, reputation,…

Post-cleaning, any residual ATP is collected from the sample and measured using the ATP bioluminescence monitor

Pre-compliance testing is a valuable tool for product development, as it allows you to proactively identify potential failures

While Good Laboratory Practice principles were originally intended for non-clinical studies in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, their scope has expanded to other industries, such as medical devices.

This course is specifically designed for medical device manufacturers seeking to enhance their understanding of laboratory processes and regulatory requirements for medical devices.

Medical device and IVD safety relies on IEC 60601-1 and IEC 61010-1 standards. Understanding MOPP, MOOP and clearances is critical for risk management and regulatory compliance. These standards guide manufacturers in delivering safe, compliant and reliable products.