ISO/TC 194/WG 6 - Mutagenicity, carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity

This document describes the results of an international interlaboratory study conducted in 2006 to evaluate the performance of two different test protocols in terms of the cytotoxic effects in the biological evaluation of medical devices. The results of these tests were used for the revision of ISO 10993-5.[2] Furthermore, the results of these tests were used to estimate the accuracy of these test systems with living cells to define a threshold what is considered a cytotoxic effect. NOTE The determination of cytotoxic effects has a high relevance in the biological evaluation of medical devices; according to ISO 10993-1[1], it is one of the very few tests which are proposed to be performed for every kind of device.

There are differences between the views of regulatory bodies on the subject of genotoxicity testing. The purpose of this ISO/TR 10993-33: 2015 is to provide background information to facilitate the selection of tests and guidance on the performance of tests.

ISO 10993-3:2014 specifies strategies for risk estimation, selection of hazard identification tests and risk management, with respect to the possibility of the following potentially irreversible biological effects arising as a result of exposure to medical devices: genotoxicity; carcinogenicity; reproductive and developmental toxicity. ISO 10993-3:2014 is applicable when the need to evaluate a medical device for potential genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, or reproductive toxicity has been established.

ISO 10993-3:2003 specifies strategies for hazard identification and tests on medical devices for the following biological aspects: genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and reproductive and developmental toxicity. ISO 10993-3:2003 is applicable for evaluation of a medical device whose potential for genotoxicity, carcinogenicity or reproductive toxicity has been identified. Guidance on selection of tests is provided in ISO 10993-1.

Most tests specified refer to the OECD guidelines for testing of chemicals. At the time of testing, these tests are to be performed according to current OECD guidelines. Guidance on selection of tests is provided in ISO 10993-1.