Biocompatibility failures are usually the result of avoidable gaps in classification, risk assessment, and test strategy. By aligning biological evaluation with ISO 10993 and ISO 14971 from the outset, manufacturers can significantly reduce retesting, delays, and regulatory friction.

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,…

ISO 10993-12:2021 is a critical but often overlooked standard that defines how medical devices must be prepared and extracted before biocompatibility testing. Proper sample preparation ensures accurate, clinically relevant results and prevents regulatory setbacks caused by false positives, missed risks,…

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…

Low temperature hydrogen peroxide sterilisation (VHP) provides an effective, low-residue alternative for heat and moisture-sensitive medical devices. Guided by ISO 22441:2022, it requires rigorous validation and material compatibility testing to ensure consistent sterility and device integrity. When properly validated, VHP…

Worst-case justification allows medical device manufacturers to validate reprocessing using the most challenging device in a product family, saving time, cost, and resources. Test Labs applies a structured, standards-based approach aligned with ISO and AAMI guidance to identify, assess, and…

The importance of validating cleaning, disinfection, and sterilisation instructions for reusable medical devices and highlights of how ISO 17664 compliance protects patients and supports manufacturers in meeting regulatory requirements.

Service life validation demonstrates that a medical device continues to perform safely and effectively throughout its intended lifespan. It verifies durability under expected use, maintenance, and reprocessing conditions, supporting ISO 14971 compliance and risk management. By replicating real-world stressors, customised…

Reusable medical devices face increased regulatory scrutiny under MDR and FDA expectations, with reprocessing now requiring clear, defensible evidence. Common failures occur in cleaning validation, disinfection efficacy, sterilisation justification, service life testing, and post-reprocessing biocompatibility. Strong validation programmes start with…

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

Visual degradation after cleaning, disinfection, or sterilisation is often dismissed as cosmetic, but it can indicate deeper mechanical or chemical damage. Identifying and managing surface changes early is critical to maintaining medical device safety, performance, and compliance.

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,…

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.

BS EN 17272 standardises how airborne room disinfection systems are tested, enabling measurable, repeatable validation of whole-room microbial efficacy.

BS 8628:2022 establishes a standardised method for testing and validating the performance of automated UV surface disinfection systems. It enables consistent, science-based comparison of UV technologies across healthcare, pharmaceutical, and other high-risk environments.

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.

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.