Biocompatibility testing for medical devices

WHY CHOOSE US?

TÜV SÜD is globally recognised for its quality and safety as a third party one-stop testing provider. We offer a suite of testing services required for medical devices and help manufacturers and suppliers independently meet global regulatory standards. Our global network of medical health and services professionals worldwide are recognised as authorities in their fields. Their collective expertise makes TÜV SÜD a trusted partner of choice for manufacturers seeking accreditations in line with medical device regulations.

OUR SERVICES AT A GLANCE

TÜV SÜD provides the following biological risk assessment tests to help manufacturers meet biocompatibility testing requirements of  the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

• Cytotoxicity - ISO 10993-5: Cytotoxicity tests are conducted to evaluate the general toxicity level of the medical device or material on cell culture through in vitro elution and agarose overlay methods.
• Genotoxicity - ISO 10993-3 & FDA: Genotoxicity tests are required to identify the presence of toxins that can impact the genetic material of cells. Following the ISO requirements, we examine:
  • Gene mutation through the bacterial mutagenicity test/bacterial reverse mutation assay
  • Chromosomal damages via in vitro chromosomal aberration assay through mouse lymphoma assay and/or in vivo
  • DNA damage through in vitro / in vivo chromosomal aberrations assay and in vitro / in vivo erythrocyte micronucleus test 
• Hemocompatibility - ISO 10993-4 & ASTM: Hemocompatibility tests help evaluate the effects blood-contacting medical devices have on blood and blood components through hematology and thrombosis tests. 
• Irritation - ISO 10993-10: Irritation testing assesses the medical device for skin irritability through i.e. primary skin, ocular and intracutaneous reactivity tests and in vitro skin irritation tests. 
• Sensitisation - ISO 10993-10: Sensitisation tests are conducted to evaluate possible adverse cutaneous reactions of the immune system to the medical device through in vivo and in vitro testing methods. 
• Systemic Effects of Systemic Toxicity and Pyrogenicity - ISO 10993-11 and ASTM: Acute to chronic systemic toxicity tests assess effects of medical devices in vivo. Pyrogenicity tests are carried out to test for material-mediated fever-causing compounds called pyrogens that impact patients when they come in contact with the medical device.
• Implantation - ISO 10993-6: Implantation tests evaluate the effects of medical devices on the surrounding living tissue at both macroscopic and microscopic levels.
• Chemical Characterisation - ISO 10993-18: Chemical characterisation  is required to identify the quantities of extractables and leachables that migrate from a medical device when it is used or challenged.
• Toxicological Risk Assessment - ISO 10993-17: A toxicological risk assessment of extractables and leachables help quantify associated risks based on exposure and safe intake dose.
• Sterility Testing - ISO 11737 series: Bioburden testing, as part of sterility testing, helps to determine the population of microorganisms on a medical device that has not been sterilised. 
• Sterile Barrier System - ISO 11607 & EN 868 series: Sterile barrier tests are required for the validation of a medical device’s packaging system to ensure the device maintains its sterility and aseptic quality before use.

YOUR BENEFITS AT A GLANCE

• Expert partnership: TÜV SÜD has extensive experience in all types of medical devices and regulatory requirements across markets. 
• Reduce time to global markets: With our in-depth insight of global product quality and regulatory requirements, TÜV SÜD optimises your costs and minimises time-to-market.
• Single source testing solution: Together with our wealth of knowledge in complex regulations globally, TÜV SÜD provides a complete suite of testing solutions according to your needs.