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Dermatological & Sensitivity Testing/
EN ISO 10993-21 Evaluation of Skin Irritation from Medical Device ExtractsEvaluation of Skin Irritation from Medical Device Extracts: EN ISO 10993-21 Testing Services
EN ISO 10993-21 is a standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in collaboration with the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). The standard specifies the requirements for evaluating skin irritation from medical device extracts. This testing service is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficacy of medical devices, particularly those that come into contact with human skin.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
The legal and regulatory framework surrounding EN ISO 10993-21 testing is governed by international and national standards. The EUs Medical Device Regulation (MDR) requires manufacturers to perform biocompatibility testing, including skin irritation testing, on their medical devices. The US FDA also recommends that medical device manufacturers conduct skin irritation testing as part of their regulatory compliance.
International and National Standards
EN ISO 10993-21 is an international standard, but it has been adopted by many countries around the world, including the EU, US, Canada, Australia, and Japan. In addition to EN ISO 10993-21, there are other standards that apply to skin irritation testing, such as ASTM F1671 and TSE ISO 10993-21.
Standard Development Organizations
The standard development process involves organizations like ISO, CEN, and ASTM, which work together to develop and maintain international and national standards. These organizations ensure that the standards are updated regularly to reflect changes in technology and regulatory requirements.
How Standards Evolve and Get Updated
Standards evolve through a continuous cycle of review, revision, and update. This process involves stakeholders from various industries, including medical device manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and standard development organizations. The goal is to ensure that the standards remain relevant and effective in addressing emerging issues and technologies.
Standard Numbers and Scope
EN ISO 10993-21 is a specific standard that addresses skin irritation testing for medical devices. The standards scope includes:
Standard Compliance Requirements
Medical device manufacturers must comply with EN ISO 10993-21 as part of their regulatory requirements. The standard is applicable to a wide range of medical devices, including implantable devices, surgical instruments, and wound care products.
Industries and Sectors that Require this Testing
The following industries and sectors require skin irritation testing:
Risk Factors and Safety Implications
Skin irritation can be a serious health risk for patients who use medical devices. The consequences of not performing EN ISO 10993-21 testing include:
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
EN ISO 10993-21 testing requires a high level of quality assurance and quality control. Manufacturers must ensure that their testing is conducted in accordance with the standards requirements, including:
Contribution to Product Safety and Reliability
EN ISO 10993-21 testing contributes significantly to product safety and reliability by:
Competitive Advantages
Performing EN ISO 10993-21 testing provides manufacturers with several competitive advantages, including:
Cost-Benefit Analysis
The cost-benefit analysis of performing EN ISO 10993-21 testing reveals significant benefits for manufacturers, including:
EN ISO 10993-21 testing involves a comprehensive evaluation of skin irritation from medical device extracts. The standard requires manufacturers to perform the following steps:
1. Sample Preparation: Manufacturers must prepare samples according to the standards requirements, including extraction, purification, and concentration.
2. Testing Conditions: Testing is conducted in accordance with the standards requirements, including temperature, humidity, and pressure conditions.
3. Patch Testing: Patch testing involves applying a small amount of extract to a patch on a volunteers skin for a specified period (usually 48 hours).
4. Occlusive Patch Testing: Occlusive patch testing involves covering the patch with an occlusive dressing to prevent skin irritation from other sources.
5. Data Analysis: Manufacturers must analyze data according to the standards requirements, including evaluation of skin reactions and determination of the irritancy threshold.
Standard Requirements for Testing
EN ISO 10993-21 specifies several key requirements for testing, including:
Standard Requirements for Sample Preparation
The standard requires manufacturers to prepare samples according to the following guidelines:
Standard Requirements for Testing Conditions
EN ISO 10993-21 specifies several key requirements for testing conditions, including:
Standard Requirements for Data Analysis
The standard requires manufacturers to analyze data according to the following guidelines:
This comprehensive guide provides an overview of EN ISO 10993-21 testing services, including standard-related information, regulatory requirements, and testing conditions and methodology. Manufacturers must comply with this standard to ensure product safety and efficacy while maintaining regulatory compliance.