Intertek expands analysis capabilities to meet the growing demand of the medical device industry
29 Sep 2015
Helping clients to optimise device performance through better understanding of polymer materials and polymer degradation
Allentown, PA – Intertek, a leading quality solutions provider to industries worldwide, today announced the expansion of its analysis services (polymer degradation) for the medical device industry and its suppliers.Many key components of medical devices are made from polymer materials. The stability or degradation characteristics of a polymer are key attributes in evaluating how suitable they are for use in a device as they can impact device performance. Controlled polymer degradation is desired for drug release in a drug delivery system whereas, in contrast, degradation of a polymer component in a catheter, for example, can trigger a mechanical failure. For each function, it is important to fully understand the polymer material and the changes that can lead to degradation through study with a combination of analytical techniques.
Intertek have recently expanded polymer analysis capabilities through investment in advanced polymer chromatography with fraction collection (SEC-APC) and advanced analysis by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). These new capabilities augment the existing broad array of polymer analysis tools which include size exclusion chromatography to evaluate polymer molecular weight and techniques to determine rheology, thermal degradation and structural identification.
Clients will benefit as they can access, through Intertek’s expertise, a full understanding of polymer materials and polymer degradation. This knowledge can assist in the early detection of polymer failure, help clients to monitor raw material lot-to-lot variability in relation to product performance. Learn more about these techniques and related services at the upcoming MD&M Philadelphia, October 7-8, Booth 513.
“Intertek engineers and scientists in combination with a broad array of analytical problem solving tools are available to respond to our customers’ questions relating to polymer degradation, helping them to optimise the performance of the medical device” states Dr. Paula McDaniel, Business Development Director at Intertek.
Intertek’s polymer testing laboratories in Allentown (United States of America), Basel (Switzerland), Geleen (Netherlands) and Wilton (United Kingdom) have worked with innovators in the polymer industry and industries that use polymers such as medical devices for over 20 years. Intertek polymer engineers, chemists and regulatory experts work with clients to optimise polymer development and enhance performance through advanced analytics, problem solving and pilot plant processing facilities.
Contacts:
Paula McDaniel, PhD, Business Development Director, Intertek Industry, Allentown
Tel.: +001 (610) 295-0100, Email: paula.mcdaniel@intertek.com
Lorna Kettle, PhD, Marketing Manager, Intertek Life Sciences
Tel.:+44 161 721 1476, Email: lorna.kettle@intertek.com
About Intertek
Intertek is a leading quality solutions provider to industries worldwide. From auditing and inspection, to testing, training, advisory, quality assurance and certification, Intertek adds value for its customers by helping improve the quality and safety of their products, assets and processes. With a network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 38,000 people in more than 100 countries, Intertek supports companies’ success in the global marketplace, by helping customers to meet end users’ expectations for safety, sustainability, performance, integrity and desirability in virtually any market worldwide. Visit www.intertek.com.