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Foreign particulate matter analysis in pharmaceutical products

There is an increasing requirement in pharmaceutical development to characterise, as well as count, visible and sub-visible particles in pharmaceutical products. LGC has significant expertise and is able to carry out both routine measurements and method development in this area.

We have a proven track record in this field, having investigated numerous problems covering active pharmaceutical ingredients, excipients, final dosage forms, process and packaging materials. 

Our facilities include:

  • ISO14644 Class 5 standard (FS 209 Class 100) laminar flow cabinets to minimize contamination of samples
  • Extensive methods for the isolation of particulate matter eg manipulation of small particles, filtration and centrifugation
  • Optical microscopy (compound and stereo microscopes) with image analysis
  • Scanning electron microscope fitted with EDX for qualitative elemental analysis of particles
  • High Resolution SEM with Field Emission Gun 
  • FT-IR microscopy
  • Raman microscopy .



 

 

Using one or more of the above techniques, we are able to count numbers of particles present in samples, measure their size, record photographic images and also determine the chemical nature of the particulate matter.

In addition, we are able to carry out the following specific tests:

  • Particulate Matter in Injections USP <788> (Ph.Eur. 2.9.19, Particulate Contamination: Sub-Visible Particles, ICH Guidelines Q4B)
  • Particulate Matter in Ophthalmic Solutions USP <789> .

 

For further information, contact  us:

Email: pharmaInfo@lgc.co.uk 

LGC, The Heath Business Park, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 4QX, UK

Tel: +44 (0)1928 515163

Fax: +44 (0)1928 500125

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