The use of in vivo implantation techniques for characterizing the biocompatibility of materials to be utilized in various medical applications provides a unique assessment of such materials not achieved by other procedures. Physical characteristics (that is, form, density, hardness, surface finish) can influence the character of the tissue response to the test materials.

This practice is intended as a rapid screening procedure for determining the acceptability of candidate materials. It would be invoked prior to using the long-term tests described in Practice F 981. It is understood that for some applications additional tests, including long-term implantation studies, may be required to assess the final suitability of the candidate materials.

This practice may not be appropriate for all types of implant applications. The user is cautioned to consider the appropriateness of the method in view of the materials being tested, their potential applications, and the recommendations contained in Practice F 748.