Pipetting samples into a microplate for chemical characterization testing
Core Service

Chemical Characterization (CC)

Identifying and quantifying the chemicals a device may release — the factual foundation every toxicological risk assessment depends on.

What is Chemical Characterization?

Chemical Characterization is the systematic identification and quantification of chemical constituents present in or released from a medical device or its materials. Following ISO 10993-18, this includes extractables studies under exaggerated conditions to identify the full profile of potential chemicals, and leachables studies under clinically relevant conditions to identify what a patient would actually be exposed to.

The resulting chemical data feeds directly into the toxicological risk assessment and helps determine whether further biological testing is needed or can be scientifically waived.

Laboratory glassware and chemical structure representing chemical characterization analysis
Why it matters

The chemistry every risk conclusion rests on.

  • A Toxicological Risk Assessment is only as reliable as the chemistry data behind it.
  • Identifies unexpected compounds early, before they surface as a regulator question.
  • Supports material and supplier changes with a clear before/after chemical comparison.
  • Required under ISO 10993-18 for most contact-classification devices.
What's included

Methodologies we apply

Extractables & Leachables Testing

Identifying and quantifying chemical constituents released by the device.

Exposure Assessment

Quantifying the nature, duration, and extent of patient exposure.

Literature Reviews

Cross-referencing known compound toxicity data where available.

Gap Analysis

Flagging where additional analytical work is needed.

Standards we align to
ISO 10993 Series Good Scientific Practices Client-Specific Requirements
How we run it

Our process for your CC study

1

Define Extraction Conditions

Conditions are set to reflect your device's material, use, and patient contact.

2

Analytical Testing

Extractables and leachables are identified and quantified.

3

Interpret the Results

Findings are contextualized against your device's clinical use.

4

Hand Off to Risk Assessment

Data is structured for direct use in your Toxicological Risk Assessment.

The deliverable

What you receive

A full extractables/leachables chemical profile.

Toxicologically relevant compound identification and quantification.

An interpreted summary connecting findings to your device's risk profile.

Data structured for direct use in your Toxicological Risk Assessment.

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