Testing Locations
- Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Itasca, IL, USA
- Fairfield, NJ, USA (Gibraltar Laboratories)
- Ontario, CA, USA
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Shanghai, China
- Petit-Rechain, Belgium
- Somercotes, England
- Rantigny, France
- Wiesbaden, Germany
- Espergaerde, Denmark
Study Outline
Routine testing of medical devices should be performed to demonstrate that the manufacturing process remains in control. The appropriate frequency and number of samples depend upon the sterility assurance level (SAL), type of product, type of sterilization used, environmental control, and the process controls of the manufacturer.
In order to validate a bioburden test, a recovery efficiency needs to be performed. There are essentially two approaches available: repetitive treatment (also referred to as exhaustive recovery) or product inoculation. Ideally, a recovery efficiency should be established prior to the start of any bioburden test. It should be performed on a minimum of three samples. The recovery efficiency is then validated and can be applied to all future testing of that product.
The AAMI Radiation Sterilization guideline (ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11137) mandates testing 10 samples for bioburden with each quarterly dose audit. Monthly bioburden testing may be required depending on the validated sterilization dose.
For products validated using the Industrial Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Guideline (AAMI/ANSI/ISO 11135), the type and frequency of bioburden tests performed will also vary with the method used in the initial validation. Most products are validated using the overkill method, where performing bioburden testing of 3 – 10 samples quarterly is sufficient. Products validated using the absolute bioburden method require frequent and significant bioburden testing. Even products validated with the BI/bioburden method should be tested periodically (at least quarterly) for bioburden.
Bioburden tests may include aerobic bacteria, spores, aerobic fungi (yeasts and molds), and anaerobes. Many factors enter into the choice of the type of tests most appropriate for your product. Generally, one should test for aerobic bacteria and fungi.
For products that cannot be tested using the extraction method such as liquids, powders, or products with low bioburden, the Most Probable Number (MPN) test may be utilized. This testing involves immersing the product directly in nutritive media and following a seven-day incubation, scoring the media for growth or no growth.
The method of obtaining samples for bioburden influence the test results. The preferred method for evaluating products or processes is to obtain random samples. These samples may be selected from routine production, which should include products produced at different times during the production of a single lot. The selected production lot needs to be representative of typical processing and conditions and should include all steps of manufacturing except sterilization. Samples may be obtained from in-process rejected materials if those materials have been subjected to the same processing conditions used for the remainder of the lot. Please be as clean as possible when sampling.
We’re happy to help you create a Bioburden testing schedule and identify the right tests for your product. If you have additional questions about Bioburden test services for medical devices, or would like to consult with the experts at Nelson Labs, just send us a request or call us at +1 (801) 290-7500.
