Medical Device

Powdered materials used in manufacturing along with particulate produced by normal wear of medical devices can be analyzed for particle size and shape characteristics to ensure products meet strict quality and safety standards. Manufacturers of medical devices and implants rely on the particle characterization services offered by Particle Technology Labs to meet their crucial specifications and to ensure the safety of their products.

Applications

Implants – foreign particulate matter present on implants such as those used in knee, hip, or breast, can result in infections and other health risks. Determining the size of these particulates can allow improvements in the cleaning processes used and the implemented quality control measures to ensure finished products are safe and suitable for use.

Artificial Joints – through the everyday use of medical devices, wear naturally occurs, resulting in the shedding of particulate from the product. These particles can be analyzed to evaluate if they may present long-term adverse effects in the body. Large particles from an artificial joint might cause pain, inflammation, or premature failure of the joint surface. To test particles, manufacturers place the joint in a saline bath and move it thousands of times in a simulated stress test. This saline can then be analyzed at Particle Technology Labs for the particle size of the debris and the shape of the particles can be observed by scanning electron microscopy. This valuable information can be used by designers to predict joint performance.