What is Accelerated Aging?
Accelerated Aging is vital for manufacturers, particularly in medical device manufacturing and development. The testing simulates the effects of storage and long-term use on products in a much shorter period.
The test is based on the relationship between temperature and the chemical reaction rate, in which the reaction rate increases as temperature rises. By using higher temperatures to accelerate the aging process, we can artificially and accurately simulate Real-Time.
Why is Accelerated Aging Important?
For many reasons, Accelerating Aging is vital for manufacturers, particularly in medical device manufacturing and development.
1. Saves Time
Accelerated Aging allows manufacturers to predict the lifespan and performance of medical devices in a fraction of the time it would take through Real-Time Aging. For example, Accelerated Aging can accurately simulate five (5) years of Real-Time in less than half that time.
Accelerated Aging accelerates the development and testing, enabling faster product iterations and time-to-market.
2. Regulatory Compliance
Regulatory bodies require medical device manufacturers to demonstrate the product’s safety and efficacy during the expiration period. Accelerated Aging allows manufacturers to meet these regulatory requirements within a reasonable timeframe.
Regulatory agencies worldwide, including the FDA, will accept the results of an Accelerated Aging study temporarily before Real-Time studies have been completed, enabling manufacturers to deliver products to market as quickly as possible.
3. Risk Mitigation
Using Accelerated Aging techniques, manufacturers can assess the durability and reliability of medical devices more quickly, identifying potential weaknesses or failures before they become critical issues. This approach can help mitigate risks associated with patient safety and product failures in real-world scenarios.
4. Customized Testing
Accelerated Aging tests can be tailored to simulate specific environmental conditions, such as various temperature and humidity levels. This flexibility allows manufacturers to address their devices’ unique challenges in various storage and usage scenarios.
Download Our Accelerated Aging for Medical Devices White Paper
You must know three critical items before planning or starting Accelerated Aging. To help get you started, download WESTPAK’s white paper and get the valuable information.
Test with WESTPAK
With over 37 years of testing and providing outstanding customer experience to our clients, WESTPAK’s A2LA-accredited and ISTA-certified facilities are proud to offer Accelerated Aging and Real-Time Aging test services.