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Testing by Device Type

Wound Healing

Devices used to treat wounds are as varied as there are wound conditions. Wounds can be surgically induced or may be the result of trauma or a chronic condition such as a diabetic ulcer. The extent of the wound to be treated can therefore range from a simple scratch, to a burn of varying degrees, to a deep wound that breaches multi-layers of tissue and even bone.

The following information addresses the evaluation of wound dressings in general.

Standards and Regulation

The investigator must take into account the biological category as indicated by ISO 10993-1 and whether the device is a solid material or liquid. Consideration also needs to be given to adhesives that may only contact areas around the wound.

Test Categories

The following guidance pertains to wound treatment materials:

Characterization of Materials

  • Thorough Chemical Characterization of potential leached chemicals and degradation products; obtain background information or data on all ingredients included in the final device as such products may degrade during wound exposure

R & D Function and Performance

  • Wound healing study using a variety of laboratory models (full and partial skin thickness)
  • Special models to evaluate treatment under clinical-like conditions such as diabetic models and superficial burns
  • Evaluation of wound treatments with growth factors incorporated in the material or as a liquid treatment
  • Treatment of sutured and un-sutured surgical wounds

Biocompatibility

  • Cytotoxicity by MEM Elution for solid materials and by agar overlay for liquid treatments
  • Sensitization by repeated patch tests or extraction models
  • Intracutaneous Irritation of aqueous and non-aqueous extracts
  • Acute Systemic toxicity of aqueous and non-aqueous extracts

Additional testing that may be required

  • Repeated application study
  • Subcutaneous or muscle implant study
  • Series of genotoxicity assays
  • Systemic Toxicity study

Complete Sterility Assurance Program

  • Sterilization validation
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Packaging validation and shelf life testing

This list provides an overview of testing programs for wound healing materials. NAMSA Technical Specialists and Scientists will partner with you to design cost effective programs specific to each wound dressing and minimize your time to market.

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