ISO 719 Ampoule Glass Grains Test

Glass Grain Hydrolytic Resistance Test

ISO 719 is a critical standard in the pharmaceutical and medical packaging industries, governing the hydrolytic resistance of glass grains. This test is essential for assessing how glass materials interact with water, especially in medical packaging, where the safety and stability of the medication are of utmost importance.

What is ISO 719 Glass Grain Hydrolytic Resistance Test?

ISO 719 defines the test method for assessing the hydrolytic resistance of glass grains at 98°C, a measure of the glass’s chemical stability when in contact with water. This test is crucial for evaluating the suitability of glass materials used in pharmaceutical packaging, particularly ampoules, infusion bottles, and injection vials.

The test involves submerging glass grains in water at a controlled temperature and measuring the degree to which the glass releases alkaline ions, which can affect both the glass’s stability and the content within the packaging. ISO 719 provides the detailed procedure for this test, ensuring consistency and reliability in determining the material’s durability.

Ampoule Glass Grain Hydrolytic Resistance Test

iso 719 Glass Grains Test
Glass Grains Test

Glass Grains Test Principle

In the glass grains test, a sample of glass grains is prepared, typically in a size range between 300 μm and 500 μm. These grains are then exposed to grade 2 water at 98°C for 60 minutes. The degree of hydrolytic attack is evaluated by analyzing the extraction solution for the presence of released alkaline ions, such as sodium oxide. This process is indicative of the glass’s chemical durability and resistance to water-induced degradation.

Glass Grains Test Sample Preparation

For accurate results, glass grains need to be prepared properly. The glass articles are first crushed into smaller pieces using a mortar and pestle, and the resulting particles are sieved to separate the appropriate sample size. The grains are then cleaned and dried before undergoing the hydrolytic resistance test.

The preparation process also ensures that the samples are free from contaminants, which could otherwise affect the test outcomes. Once cleaned and dried, the glass grains are ready for testing under the specified conditions of ISO 719.

Glass Grains Test Test Procedure

The test procedure involves the following steps:

  1. Weighing and Preparing Samples: A specific amount of dried glass grains (typically 2g) is added to a set of volumetric flasks.
  2. Heating: The flasks are heated in a bath until the water reaches boiling temperature. The temperature is maintained for exactly 60 minutes.
  3. Titration: After cooling, the solution in each flask is titrated to determine the amount of hydrochloric acid consumed, which is then used to calculate the alkali release as sodium oxide (Na2O).

The results are classified into hydrolytic resistance grain classes (HGB), based on the acid consumption during the test. These classifications help to evaluate the material’s suitability for use in pharmaceutical packaging.

Significance of ISO 719 in Pharmaceutical and Medical Packaging

Glass packaging, especially for medical products, requires high chemical durability to ensure that it does not interact with the contents, potentially compromising the integrity and effectiveness of the drugs. ISO 719 is vital because it provides a standardized method to assess the performance of glass under conditions that simulate real-life usage. Packaging materials that meet the requirements of this test ensure that medications remain stable throughout their shelf life.

By adhering to ISO 719, manufacturers can provide packaging solutions that ensure the safety of patients and the effectiveness of medications, while also complying with regulatory standards in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.

Glass Grains Test and its Role in Packaging Materials Testing

The Glass Grains Test, as defined in ISO 719, is an integral part of quality control for glass packaging. Glass materials used in medical and pharmaceutical packaging must meet stringent quality standards to ensure their chemical resistance and non-reactivity with pharmaceutical contents. The GHR-01A Glass Grain Hydrolytic Resistance Tester is one such instrument designed to automate and standardize this critical test, reducing human error and improving efficiency in labs.

The GHR-01A not only crushes and sieves the glass grains but also performs automated hydrolytic testing under the conditions specified by ISO 719. This equipment ensures accurate sample preparation and testing, contributing to the overall reliability and safety of the final packaging materials.

Why the Glass Grain Hydrolytic Resistance Test Matters

This test is crucial for the pharmaceutical industry as it helps manufacturers ensure that the glass used in packaging does not negatively impact the drug’s quality or efficacy. Since glass packaging is a preferred material in the medical field due to its inert properties, its ability to withstand environmental factors, including water, is essential for maintaining the integrity of the products inside.

By using ISO 719 as a benchmark for hydrolytic resistance, pharmaceutical companies can ensure that their products remain stable and safe throughout their lifecycle.