At Anderson Materials Evaluation, we specialize in comprehensive medical device testing. Our expertise spans a wide range of tests and analyses, making sure the safety and reliability of medical devices.
XPS or ESCA Surface Analysis for Medical Devices
We use XPS or ESCA to analyze medical device surfaces. Our services include:
- Measuring surface elemental composition
- Identifying surface contaminants
- Assessing the effects of surface treatments on vascular stents
- Determining the character of surface oxides on alloys (Nitinol Stents, Stainless Steel Tubing, CoCrMo Alloy)
- Examining oxide composition changes with depth via argon ion etching
- Identifying the composition of stains and changes in color
- Determining the real chemistry of multi-phase TiN coatings on medical devices
- Analyzing brazed joints and electrical connections
- Checking ceramic electrical insulators for contaminants
- Investigating causes of braze wetting problems
- Identifying corrosion product chemistries on hip and knee explants
SEM/EDX Analysis for Medical Devices
Our SEM/EDX analysis services help in:
- Determining crack starting points for stent failures
- Examining medical device surfaces for microcracking
- Assessing surface oxides for variations
- Checking for wear or scratches due to rubbing surfaces
- Analyzing brazed electrical or hermetic seals
- Identifying failure starting points in dental files
- Distinguishing organic matter on metal devices
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) for Medical Devices
We use DSC to:
- Determine the glass transition temperature of polymeric materials
- Measure energy of transition for crystalline phase melting
- Compare volumes of crystalline versus amorphous phases in polymers
- Measure temperatures of austenitic and martensitic transitions in Nitinol
FTIR Infrared Spectroscopy
Our FTIR services include:
- Identifying polymer materials
- Verifying specific polymers
- Checking for polymer damage due to aging or cleaning
- Solving packaging problems
- Addressing printing problems on packaging and devices
Wavelength-Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF)
Our XRF services include:
- Determining the elemental composition
- Confirming the purity of a material
- Detecting and measuring heavy metal content
- Checking for Bromine in organic materials to determine whether GC-MS analysis is needed for brominated organic detection and measurement
3D Optical Microscopy with LIBS
Our 3D high resolution Optical Microscopy with LIBS elemental microanalysis services include:
- High resolution microscopy of complex surface topographies
- Examination for flaws and surface impurities
- Identification of particulate contamination
- Detecting inclusions in polymers such as tubing, IV bags, and packaging
- Measuring surface profiles and surface roughness
Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS)
Our GC-MS services include:
- Detection and measurement of organic materials extracted from other materials by solvent extractions
- Detection and measurement of organic vapors by headspace solid-phase micro-extraction
- Detection of PCBs
- Detection of dangerous brominated organic compounds
- Detection of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds
Case Study: Corrosion Analysis of Hip Implants
We tested the corrosion deposits on a CoCrMo alloy hip implant using XPS. The analysis revealed that the deposits were primarily chromium phosphate and chromium oxide, with bone minerals and polypeptides. This corrosion was due to chromium’s lower resistance to phosphate attack compared to cobalt and molybdenum.
Contact Us
Contacts are Dr. Shreyasi Sengupta and Dr. Charles Anderson at 1-410-740-8562 or Shreyasi@andersonmaterials.com and CAnderson@AndersonMaterials.com. Alternatively, complete our contact form to discuss your specific testing requirements. We look forward to helping you!
Explore our solutions to ensure your medical devices meet the highest standards of safety and reliability. Contact us today to get started.
