Accelerated aging can be run with a designated time period ranging between one month to five years (or longer). See table of accelerated aging parameters. The time of simulated aging depends on the temperature at which the products are held. Accelerated aging is optional; real-time aging is required when establishing an expiration date.
At 55 °C, 6.5 weeks is equivalent to 1 year on-the-shelf. For example, at 55 °C, two years would be equivalent to 13.0 weeks and five years would be 32.5 weeks.
Study Outline
After the samples have been aged, they are removed from the chamber and are brought back to room temperature. They then undergo a freeze-thaw cycle at -15 to -30 °C. You may age as many samples as you need; there are no guidelines. The number of samples should be based on the testing to be performed after aging and the number of time periods to be examined during the age testing. Following the aging, the samples could be returned to you for further examination (such as functionality tests), or we could run other studies here at Nelson Labs to confirm stability (package integrity/microbial aerosol barrier challenge, seal peel tests, other physical tests, etc).
An additional accelerated aging paremeters form is also recommended when submitting samples for this study.
Sample Requirements
6 1/2 weeks at 55°C= 1 year of accelerated aging (using 25° C ambient temperature)
Please use the Accelerated Aging Parameters form along with the Sample submission form when submitting samples.
Nelson Experts:
- Erika Diaz 801-290-7841, 800-826-2088
