ASTM F3206-17

4.1 This guide is designed to assist medical device manufacturers as they develop new devices or qualify existing devices (e.g., catheters, needles) for delivering clinical cell therapies. Cytocompatibility considers the impact of the delivery device on the cells passing through the device during the delivery procedure. The biological safety of the device (e.g., the device’s cytotoxicity) should be addressed via other methods, such as ISO 10993-5. It is understood that this guide does not address testing of specific cellular products with specific delivery devices. Such testing may be required by regulatory authorities prior to clinical trial of cellular product or marketing applications. This guide outlines considerations to make the product qualification procedures more likely to succeed and more cost effective.

4.2 The key aspects of assessing device cytocompatibility include selecting a test cell line or cell lines and determining the cell physiology parameters that will be measured to make a determination of cytocompatibility. Acceptance criteria for designating a device as cytocompatible are not detailed here. It will be up to the delivery device end user to determine if the results of a cytocompatibility assessment are sufficient to consider that device cytocompatible. Delivery device lot to lot variability may impact cytocompatibility, therefore validated manufacturing processes should be considered when producing devices for cytocompatibility assessments.

1.1 This guide outlines the parameters to consider when designing in vitro tests to assess the potential impact of a delivery device on a cellular product being dispensed. This guide does not provide specific protocols, but rather suggests what should be considered the minimum characterization necessary to assess device cytocompatibility. Topics discussed include selecting an appropriate cell line(s), cell physiology parameters to measure, and relevant test procedure variables. Only cells suspended in liquid and infused through a device are considered. Cell therapies paired with scaffolds, suspended in hydrogels, or administered via other methods (e.g., tissue grafting) are not included in the scope of this document. This document does not address physical characterization of delivery devices, such as mechanics, composition, or degradation.

1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.