{"id":703,"date":"2026-02-17T14:23:29","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T13:23:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/relaunch.k-labor.wp4.visual4.com\/?page_id=703"},"modified":"2026-05-07T10:34:15","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T08:34:15","slug":"chemical-resistance-of-medical-devices","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dekra.k-labor.de\/en\/chemical-resistance-of-medical-devices\/","title":{"rendered":"Chemical resistance of medical devices and medical technology components"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Safe materials in everyday hospital life \u2013 tested resistance to disinfectants and cleaning agents<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In medical facilities such as clinics, nursing homes or laboratories, materials are exposed to particularly intensive and regular chemical exposure. Medical devices, housings, operating elements and surfaces are treated daily with highly effective disinfectants and cleaning agents<\/strong>. The media used \u2013 whether alcohol-based, acidic, alkaline or oxidizing \u2013 can cause long-term damage to plastics and coatings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To ensure long-term durability and product safety<\/strong>, we at DEKRA (formerly K-Labor) carry out specific tests for chemical resistance<\/strong> \u2013 in line with standards, practical and tailored to medical requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typical test media in the medical environment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our tests simulate real-life exposure to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Alcohol-based surface disinfectants<\/strong> (ethanol, isopropanol, propanol)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Oxidative disinfectants<\/strong> (e.g. based on hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid or hypochlorite)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Disinfectants containing aldehydes<\/strong> (e.g. glutaraldehyde)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Quaternary ammonium compounds<\/strong> (QAV)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Alkaline and acidic special cleaners<\/strong> for instrument or surface reprocessing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Multi-component high-performance cleaners<\/strong> for operating theaters and intensive care areas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    The selection is based on the groups of active ingredients commonly used in the healthcare sector and on the manufacturer\u2019s instructions for the cleaning agents and disinfectants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Test methods for disinfectant resistance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    We test material compatibility under realistic conditions<\/strong> in accordance with DIN EN ISO 2812 (parts 1-4), supplementary standards and manufacturer specifications:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    • Wipe tests and drip tests:<\/strong> Disinfectants are applied several times or applied selectively \u2013 the daily cleaning cycle is simulated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Storage in disinfectant solutions:<\/strong> Plastic samples are stored for hours or days in diluted or undiluted cleaning agents \u2013 at room temperature or elevated temperatures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Application with absorbent carrier materials (e.g. cellulose fleece):<\/strong> for long-term effect under moist conditions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Testing under mechanical stress<\/strong> (e.g. pre-tensioning, bending stress): to detect stress cracks and material damage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Combination with heat storage and climatic stress<\/strong> to simulate real conditions in clinics or during transportation and storage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Among other things, the following are evaluated:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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      • Color changes, loss of gloss, embrittlement, cracking<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Swelling, spalling, stress cracks<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Changes to the surface structure <\/strong>(e.g. clouding, matting)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Loss of mechanical or functional properties<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Compatibility with prints, displays, films and coatings<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        All results are documented in detail \u2013 with photo documentation, classification according to standard or manufacturer specifications and recommendations for material optimization or product protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Typical areas of application:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        • Housing and operating elements of medical devices<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Components used close to the patient <\/strong>(e.g. handpieces, cables, tubes, handles)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Sterilization baskets, trays, packaging<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Mobile devices, tablets, scanners with plastic or foil surfaces<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Operating room and laboratory equipment with regular wipe disinfection<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Avoid costly complaints due to chemical material damage.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          We support manufacturers, suppliers and developers of medical devices in testing and optimizing disinfectant resistance \u2013 safely, in compliance with standards and with strong documentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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