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Posts Tagged ‘Medical Devices’


Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011

New Scope of Reusable Medical Device Cleaning Validations is Examined in New White Paper from Microtest Laboratories

AGAWAM, MASS. – Nov. 2, 2011 – A new white paper detailing the new scope of reusable medical device cleaning validations is available free from Microtest Laboratories on the Web at http://www.microtestlabs.com/new-scope-cleaning-validation-paper.

“Cleaning validation for reusable medical devices is an important step in proving their safety. Available guidance documents now indicate that the traditional method of validating cleanliness, spore log reduction, will no longer be acceptable. Analytical assays capable of providing quantitative results will now be required instead,” writes white paper author Patrick Kenny, Manager of Analytical Services, Microtest Laboratories.

In the new white paper, “The New Scope of Reusable Medical Device Cleaning Validations,” Kenny notes that “although a new requirement for reusable medical devices, these tests are traditional analytical assays that are performed routinely on other types of samples.”

“An effective protocol and report that includes justifications for the test soil and assays chosen, as well as thorough documentation of all parameters used in the validation, will help ensure success for the device’s submission,” he notes.

In the paper, Kenny also discusses cleaning validation analytical assays as well as various methods and scenarios related to performing the validation. His recommendations are based on several key documents relating to reusable device cleaning validations that are either in draft or final form. They include AAMI document TIR30:2003, a comprehensive guide to medical device cleaning validations. TIR30 is currently in revision, and an updated version is scheduled for 2011 release.

Kenny holds a M.S. degree in Chemistry and has spent the past 13 years working in QC, R&D and manufacturing laboratories. At Microtest, Kenny leads the services group performing medical device and pharmaceutical analytical testing for companies worldwide.

Downloada free copy of the white paper, The New Scope of Reusable Medical Device Cleaning Validations,from the Microtest Laboratories website at http://www.microtestlabs.com/new-scope-cleaning-validation-paper.

Microtest’s broad portfolio of medical device and combination product testing services include sterilization validation, reusable device studies, endotoxin and sterility testing, and package validation.

About Microtest Laboratories

Microtest Laboratories is a leader in testing services and contract manufacturing for the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries. Based in Agawam, Massachusetts, U.S.A., the company provides expertise and flexible processes that enhance product safety and security, accelerate time to market, and minimize supply chain disruption. For more information, visit http://www.microtestlabs.com or call 1-413-786-1680 or toll-free 1-800-631-1680. Follow Microtest Laboratories on Twitter @MicrotestLabs at http://twitter.com/MicrotestLabs.

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Tuesday, June 7th, 2011

New White Paper Helps Medical Device Manufacturers Validate Cleaning Processes

A free white paper that guides manufacturers of medical devices in the validation of their cleaning processes is available from Microtest Laboratories.

It is available for download from: http://microtestlabs.com/cleaning-validation-paper

As many medical devices are made of high-tech materials such as metallic alloys or synthetic plastics, manufacturers may require the use of various agents to aid in the manufacturing process, or produce contaminants that need to be removed. Thus, these products must be cleaned to ensure both patient safety and the continuing functionality of the device.

In the white paper titled, “Five Steps to Validating the Cleaning Process of Medical Devices,” Patrick Kenny, Manager of Analytical Services at Microtest Laboratories, reviews medical device regulation under 21 CFR Part 820 – Quality System Regulation.

Several sections of Part 820 can be directly related to medical device cleanliness. For manufacturers, the challenge is to validate the cleaning process to ensure the devices are free of residue (chemical and particulate) in order to ensure patients are safe.

In the paper, Kenny presents a five-step process that provides a framework to assist manufacturers of medical devices in their cleaning validation efforts:
#1: Evaluate the Process, Determine the Potential Contaminants
#2: Determine the Limits
#3: Identify the Analytical Test
#4: Validate the Method for Use
#5: Validate the Cleaning Process

Download a free copy of “Five Steps to Validating the Cleaning Process of Medical Devices,” at http://microtestlabs.com/cleaning-validation-paper.

At Microtest Labs, Kenny leads the services group performing medical device and pharmaceutical analytical testing. He holds a M.S. degree in Chemistry and has spent the past 13 years working in QC, R&D and manufacturing laboratories.

About Microtest Laboratories
Microtest Labs is a leader in testing services and contract manufacturing for the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries. Based in Agawam, Massachusetts, U.S.A., the company’s expertise and flexible processes enhance product safety and security, accelerate time to market, and minimize supply chain disruption. For more information, visit http://microtestlabs.com or call 1-413-786-1680 or toll-free 1-800-631-1680. Follow Microtest Labs on Twitter @MicrotestLabs at http://twitter.com/MicrotestLabs

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Monday, April 11th, 2011

New White Paper: “The Insider’s Guide to Applying Miniature Solenoid Valves,” from ASCO Valve

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — April 11, 2011 — A new white paper, The Insider’s Guide to Applying Miniature Solenoid Valves, consolidates the expert views of designers and manufacturers to provide a step-by-step resource for applying miniature solenoid valves for myriad uses across multiple industries.

The paper is available to download from http://bit.ly/h0iq7f.

“Equipment designers frequently must incorporate miniature solenoid valves into their pneumatic designs. These valves are important components of medical devices and instrumentation as well as environmental, analytical, and similar product applications,” said white paper author Mike Elsigian, marketing manager, ASCO Valve, Inc.

In the white paper, Elsigian defines which requirements are critical for common applications. He details how the selection of miniature solenoid valves for the design of a given device usually involves finely balancing tradeoffs among competing pressures for reliability, service life, light weight, higher flow, optimized power use, standards compliance, and more.

Elsigian also highlights the introduction of newer valve technologies that can lessen or eliminate difficult compromises — while increasing performance. “New miniature solenoid valve technologies represent the fusion of several innovative approaches to meet the widest possible range of demands from knowledgeable designers across multiple industries,” he said.

“All too often, these designers find themselves frustrated as they face compromise after compromise. Pressure for increasingly miniaturized devices complicates every step of the design and valve selection process. And missteps can wreak havoc,” he said. “We’re hoping that the expertise we provide will assist designers in achieving the balance they need for success among the variety of often-contradictory performance requirements demanded by their applications.”

Download the new white paper, “The Insider’s Guide to Applying Miniature Solenoid Valves,” at http://bit.ly/h0iq7f.

Follow ASCO on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ascovalve. Find ASCO on Facebook at http://facebook.com/ascovalve.

Emerson Industrial Automation

Emerson Industrial Automation, a business of Emerson, delivers manufacturing solutions designed with leading technologies — including mechanical, electrical and ultrasonic — to provide the most advanced industrial automation possible for numerous and diverse industries worldwide. The company’s wide range of products and systems used in manufacturing processes and other equipment includes motion control systems, plastics joining, precision cleaning, materials-testing equipment, fluid control valves, alternators, motors, and mechanical power transmission drives and bearings. For information, visit www.emersonindustrialautomation.com.

About Emerson

Emerson (NYSE: EMR), based in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions for customers in industrial, commercial, and consumer markets through its network power, process management, industrial automation, climate technologies, and tools and storage businesses. Sales in fiscal 2010 were $21 billion. For more information, visit www.Emerson.com.

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Press Contact: Don Goncalves, 781-793-9380, dgoncalves@tizinc.com

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Tuesday, February 8th, 2011

White Paper Outlines Disinfection Testing, Cleaning Validation Studies Requirements for Reusable Medical Devices

AGAWAM, MASS. – February 8, 2011 – A new, free white paper outlining the application of disinfection and cleaning validation requirements for reusable medical devices in line with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations is now available from Microtest Laboratories (http://www.microtestlabs.com/medical-disinfection-paper).

Titled “Reusable Medical Device Disinfection and Cleaning Validation Requirements,” the paper outlines the salient aspects of validating that a medical device can be safely reused; addresses disinfection studies and processes, rather than sterilization; and provides cleaning validation information germane to all reusable medical devices.

The author of the paper is Steven Richter, Ph.D., president and scientific director of Microtest Laboratories. Richter is himself a former FDA official.

“Reusable medical devices come in all shapes and sizes – from specula to colonoscopes. Generally, these devices have expensive components that require them to be cleaned and disinfected or sterilized,” Dr. Richter notes.

“Recently, the FDA began requiring additional information on 510(k) submissions, demanding clarity in the options afforded to practitioners. Microbiologists generally treat all medical devices equally, even though many devices require special treatment.

“Historically, manufacturers were not required to validate that cleaning and disinfection processes were effective in reducing microbial and protein loads to safe levels. The FDA may have asked manufacturers for data regarding disinfectant use during reprocessing, but manufacturers would often simply perform cursory simulated-use tests that might not pass muster with FDA reviewers today.

“Currently, the FDA requires validation studies for both disinfection and cleaning. Both disinfection testing validation and cleaning validation studies are important to the manufacturer because they will validate the safety and efficacy of the disinfection process. It is important to qualify both the cleaning and disinfecting processes prior to validation activities.

“This new white paper is aimed at helping practitioners determine the best practices for performing these critical disinfection testing and cleaning validation studies,” Dr. Richter states.

Download a free copy of the white paper Reusable Medical Device Disinfection and Cleaning Validation Requirementsfrom http://www.microtestlabs.com/medical-disinfection-paper.

Dr. Richter founded Microtest Laboratories in 1984 after a distinguished career at the FDA. Under his leadership, Microtest Laboratories provides the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries with premier testing and manufacturing support.

About Microtest Laboratories

Microtest Laboratories is a leader in testing services and contract manufacturing for the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries. Based in Agawam, Massachusetts, U.S.A., the company provides expertise and flexible processes that enhance product safety and security, accelerate time to market, and minimize supply chain disruption. For more information, visit http://www.microtestlabs.com or call 1-413-786-1680 or toll-free 1-800-631-1680. Follow Microtest Laboratories on Twitter @MicrotestLabs at http://twitter.com/MicrotestLabs.

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Press Contact: Don Goncalves, 781-793-9380, dgoncalves@tizinc.com

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Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

New White Paper Helps Medical Device Manufacturers Apply New FDA Regs to Combination Products

microtest-logo1

AGAWAM, MASS. – July 13, 2010 – A new free, white paper that guides medical device manufacturers in the complicated process of applying new U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations to combination products embedded with pharmaceutical or biologic components is now available from Microtest Laboratories (http://www.microtestlabs.com/combination-products-20/).wpcover1

Combination products are a large and growing segment of the medical device market, with some analysts estimating they represent over 30% of all new product submissions to the FDA. As the market continues to grow, it is further compounded by the introduction of human tissue and cellular products (HCT/Ps) incorporated in combination products, which in turn, raise a host of new challenges for testing, sterilization, and contamination avoidance.

Over the past 12 months, the FDA has addressed the dichotomy of dual quality systems by developing streamlined regulations for Good Manufacturing Compliance. These regulations, designated as 21 CFR Part IV, are anticipated to become law by the end of 2010.

Once promulgated, manufacturers will be held accountable for compliance and the FDA will use it as a legal document for enforcement. In the new white paper titled, “Combination Products 2.0: Applying the New FDA Regulations,” Steven Richter, Ph.D, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Microtest Laboratories, Inc., addresses the implications for manufacturers. (Download from: http://www.microtestlabs.com/combination-products-20/). In the white paper, Dr. Richter discusses:

  • The New Regulations
  • Determining Principal Mode of Action — Device or Drug?
  • Stem Cells & Human Tissue in Combination Products
  • The Implications for Testing and Validation
  • An Example: Drug-Eluting Stents

“The new FDA regulations governing combination products are a major step forward for the industry. They apply to parts of both the QSR and GMP quality systems in a way that makes sense for the unique characteristics of each combination product. 21 CFR Part IV closes the gaps in the 2004 guidelines and succinctly clarifies the process for establishing quality systems that ensure compliance and patient health and safety. The ability of manufacturers to understand, establish, implement reliable testing procedures will be critical in complying with these new requirements,” Dr. Richter said.

Download a free copy of “Combination Products 2.0: Applying the New FDA Regulations” from http://www.microtestlabs.com/combination-products-20/.

Dr. Richter founded Microtest in 1984 after a distinguished career at the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Under his leadership, Microtest provides the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries with premier testing and manufacturing support.

Follow Microtest Labs on Twitter @MicrotestLabs at http://twitter.com/MicrotestLabs.

About Microtest
Microtest is a leader in testing services and contract manufacturing for the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries. Based in Agawam, Massachusetts, U.S.A., the company’s expertise and flexible processes enhance product safety and security, accelerate time to market, and minimize supply chain disruption. For more information, visit http://www.microtestlabs.com or call 1-413-786-1680 or toll-free 1-800-631-1680.

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Public Relations contact, Boston:  Don Goncalves, dgoncalves@tizinc.com, 781-793-9380, for Tiziani Whitmyre Inc., http://www.tizinc.com/public-relations

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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

ASCO Light Weight Miniature Solenoid Valve Introduced with Extended Life and Higher Flow

asco-num-01

FLORHAM PARK, NEW JERSEY, USA, March 2, 2010ASCO Numatics, the world’s leading manufacturer of comprehensive fluid automation, flow control, and pneumatics solutions, has introduced the ASCO 411 Series miniature solenoid valve that offers up to twice the life of competing products plus higher flow rate performance. The new valve is ideal for applications in pharmaceutical, medical, analytical, and instrumentation products.

“Now, original equipment manufacturers (OEM) can receive the benefits of longer life, smaller size, lighter weight, higher flow, and lower power consumption — all in one miniature solenoid valve,” said Robert W. Kemple, Jr., Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing – Americas, ASCO Numatics. “The 411 Series dramatically reduces the design tradeoffs and compromises engineers must make in applying valves to their products.”

The 411 Series’ unique plunger design significantly reduces wear on the poppet and is resistant to internal elastomer swelling that can disrupt performance. The new valve has been tested to exceed 500 million cycles in normal operating conditions, making it the longest-lived, most reliable product of its kind on the market.

ASCO has increased the valve’s flow rate by 12% to 15% over previous models, and the maximum operating pressure differential has been improved. “These factors will enable engineers to design products with greater operating speeds, higher pressures, and smaller volumes,” said Kemple.411

The new valve family incorporates a smaller, lighter weight plastic body that achieves a 12% to 15% overall weight reduction when compared to stainless steel and brass-bodied valves. This makes the 411 Series a good choice for miniaturized and portable medical devices and pharmaceutical products. Lower power consumption means the valve also is attractive for use in battery-powered applications. In addition, it is the only miniature solenoid valve that is fully compliant with RoHS regulations.

“The 411 Series is assembled and tested in a specially built Class 100 cleanroom that is dedicated to miniature solenoid valve production,” Kemple said. “Our valve’s exceptional reliability and its flexibility to address a wide range of specifications and operating characteristics provide the OEM with the widest variety of design options.”

The 411 Series can be purchased from ASCO distributors or directly from the company. Many of the valve’s configurations are available through the ASCO Today 24-hour or ASCO 5-day shipping programs.

For more information, contact ASCO at 800-972-ASCO, by e-mail at info-valve@asco.com, or visit www.ascovalve.com.

About ASCO Numatics
ASCO Numatics, formed by the merger of ASCO and Numatics, is a business unit of Emerson Industrial Automation. ASCO Numatics offers comprehensive fluid automation solutions, flow control and pneumatics for a wide range of industry-focused applications.  The ASCO Numatics product line in North America consists of more than 50,000 valves, an extensive selection of air preparation equipment, and a full line of actuation products.  ASCO products include solenoid pilot valves, angle body piston valves, linear indicators, redundant control systems, and pressure sensors. The Numatics line covers valve manifolds, cylinders, grippers, filters, regulators, and lubricators.  For more information about ASCO Numatics products, visit www.asconumatics.com.

About Emerson
Emerson (NYSE:EMR), based in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions to customers through its network power, process management, industrial automation, climate technologies, and appliance and tools businesses.  Emerson’s sales in fiscal 2009 were $20.9 billion.  The company is ranked 94th on the Fortune 500 list of America’s largest companies. For more information, visit www.Emerson.com.

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Download high resolution image for publication: http://bit.ly/9WHMwT

Public Relations contact, Boston, Don Goncalves, dgoncalves@tizinc.com, 781-793-9380, for Tiziani Whitmyre Inc., http://www.tizinc.com/public-relations 

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