scope:

This part of ISO 10993 provides general requirements for the design of tests in a simulated environment for identifying and quantifying degradation products from finished polymeric medical devices ready for clinical use. This part of ISO 10993 describes two test methods to generate degradation products, an accelerated degradation test as a screening method and a real-time degradation test in a simulated environment. For materials that are intended to polymerize in situ, the set or cured polymer is used for testing. The data generated are used in the biological evaluation of the polymer. This part of ISO 10993 considers only nonresorbable polymers. Similar but appropriately modified procedures may be applicable for resorbable polymers. This part of ISO 10993 considers only those degradation products generated by a chemical alteration of the finished polymeric device. It is not applicable to degradation of the device induced during its intended use by mechanical stress, wear or electromagnetic radiation or biological factors such as enzymes, other proteins and cellular activity.