This specification covers the general, physical property, and biocompatibility requirements, and the associated test methods for establishing a reasonable level of confidence concerning the performance of unfilled thermoplastic polycarbonate resin for use in the manufacture of medical devices or the components thereof.

This abstract is a brief summary of the referenced standard. It is informational only and not an official part of the standard; the full text of the standard itself must be referred to for its use and application. ASTM does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents of this abstract are accurate, complete or up to date.

1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers polycarbonate resin and provides requirements and associated test methods for this thermoplastic when it is to be used in the manufacture of medical devices or components of medical devices.

1.2 As with any material, some characteristics may be altered by the processing techniques (such as molding, extrusion, machining, assembly, sterilization, and so forth) required for the production of a specific part or device. Therefore, properties of fabricated forms of this resin should be evaluated using those test methods that are appropriate to assure safety and efficacy.

1.3 The properties included in this specification are those applicable for polycarbonate only. The biocompatibility of plastic compounds made up of polycarbonate resin containing colorants, fillers, processing aids, or other additives, as well as polymer blends which contain polycarbonate, should not be assumed. The biocompatibility of these modified polycarbonates must be established by testing the final (end-use) compositions using the appropriate methods of evaluation. In addition, the biocompatibility of the material depends to a large degree on the nature of the end-use application. It is, therefore, necessary to specify a set of biocompatibility test methods for each new and distinct application.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

Underwriters Laboratories Document

Code of Federal Regulations

ISO Standard

Index Terms

plastics (thermoplastic); plastic surgical devices/applications; polycarbonate (PC) plastics; polymers-surgical applications; resins-polycarbonate; seals; Plastic surgical devices/applications--specifications; Polycarbonate (PC)--specifications; Polymers (surgical applications)--specifications; Seals--surgical implant applications; Surgical implant resins--specifications; Thermoplastic surgical implant applications--specifications ;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 11.120.01 (Pharmaceutics in general); 83.080.20 (Thermoplastic materials); 11.100.99 (Other standards related to laboratory medicine)

Citing ASTM Standards

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