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Radiation Sterilization: Verifying Dose Survivors

Radiation Sterilization: Verifying Dose Survivors

Nov 18, 2019 | Medical Device, Microbiology, Technical Expertise

A wealth of knowledge was gained from a historic data review of radiation dose verification failures. Our experts highlight the importance and application of this data set as well as its benefit to device manufacturers.

In last week’s blog post, we highlighted the importance of bioburden monitoring, both quantitatively and qualitatively, as supportive evidence for a valid radiation dose. We arrived at this conclusion through a historic data review of verification dose experiments.

WuXi AppTec Laboratory Testing Division compiled and reviewed 60 randomly selected verification dose experiments performed over a 10-year period that yielded positive sterility results with confirmed genus and species identifications. Testing consisted of a wide range of medical devices, biologics and tissues processed with verification doses ranging from 2.6 to 18.8 kGy.

After exposure to the verification dose, the products were subsequently tested for sterility. Resulting sterility positives from both passing and failed verification dose experiments were identified using biochemical, MALDI TOF MS or DNA sequencing analysis. The data analysis identified the most prevalent survivors and compiled them into a list of top surviving genera.

The top genera were further separated by organism type, such as spore and non-spore formers, and other defining characteristics such as pigmentation to emphasize additional characteristics of survivors:

Survivors from Verification Dose Experiments: Top 8 Genera
Genus Occurrences in 60 Verification Dose Experiments Organism Type Pigmentation of Recovered Isolates
Bacillus 30 (49%) Gram positive spore forming rods Yellow/Cream/Orange
Paenibacillus 12 (20%) Gram positive spore forming rods Cream/White
Deinococcus 9 (15%) Gram positive cocci Pink/Coral
Methylobacterium 9 (15%) Gram negative rods Pink/Coral
Clostridium 6 (10%) Gram positive spore forming rods (obligate anaerobes) Beige/Tan
Roseomonas 6 (10%) Gram negative coccoid rods Pink/Coral
Aureobasidium 2 (3%) Yeast Black
Brevibacillus 2 (3%) Gram positive spore forming rods Tan

Having analyzed data collected over a 10-year period, we have a unique perspective on the types of organisms demonstrating resistance to radiation. This information can be valuable for manufacturers looking to identify adverse trends in viable environmental samples and product bioburden data to prevent costly radiation dose verification failures.

This type of data can be used to evaluate bioburden and the associated manufacturing process. Performing microbial identification and trending of all sterilization dose verification survivors, including passing results, may reveal potential shifts in bioburden types and resistances that might not be apparent with quantitative bioburden data alone.
Clients who work with our microbiology experts are able to leverage the experience we have from testing thousands of devices. Our scientists draw from their previous studies, international standards and current regulatory environment to report results and strategize with our clients when adverse trends occur.

For more information about how you can leverage the knowledge and experience of our microbiology experts for your product testing needs, contact us

Our All-Inclusive Approach to Microbial Identification

Our All-Inclusive Approach to Microbial Identification

Nov 18, 2019 | Medical Device, Microbial Identification, Microbiology, Technical Expertise

WuXi AppTec’s robust approach to microbial identification (ID) testing surpasses the industry standard offered by other laboratories.

Our clients come to us when a microbial excursion has occurred. Understanding what the microbial contaminants are, and where they have been introduced into the manufacturing process, is critical in determining the root cause of the microbial excursion, as well as effective corrective actions to prevent re-occurrence. In the manufacturing process, microbial contaminants may be isolated from many different locations and sources, including employees, air, water, surfaces, raw materials and even the final product. The first step in our identification process is to obtain a pure culture of any microbial isolates found. Once isolation has been obtained, we begin our all-inclusive approach to microbial identification. The following are included in our microbial ID testing:

  • Subculturing to the point where a single, pure, isolated colony is obtained, as well as using two ID systems: VITEK® MS and Applied Biosystems® DNA sequencer.

We do not charge for subculturing, Gram staining or additional ID methods.

  • For one price per isolate, we subculture for isolation and Gram stain, and we attempt to identify the microbial isolate up to three times using the VITEK MS, DNA sequencer or macroscopic ID for mold isolates.

We know manufacturers spend significant time and resources subculturing in-house to ensure a culture of less than 72 hours is delivered (a requirement for other labs). WuXi AppTec clients, however, do not have to send a culture that is less than 72 hours old. We perform this task and save clients resources, time and costs. In our own laboratories, we control testing processes for contamination – including microorganisms – to be compliant with the manufacturing quality system, processes, procedures and standards set for the industry. Let us show you how our experienced experts can provide a one-stop-shop approach for microbial identification.