ASTM F1828-22

Overview

ASTM F1828-22 - Standard Specification for Ureteral Stents establishes comprehensive requirements and test methods for evaluating the performance characteristics of single-use ureteral stents. These devices are intended for short-term urinary drainage from the kidney to the bladder and are commonly used in urological procedures. The standard addresses essential aspects such as material biocompatibility, geometry, mechanical properties, and key test methods to ensure the safety and effectiveness of ureteral stents.

Developed by ASTM International, this specification provides guidance for manufacturers, healthcare professionals, and regulatory bodies to evaluate ureteral stents made from medical-grade polymers like silicone and polyurethane, focusing on devices designed for up to 30 days of indwelling use.

Key Topics

• Scope and Definitions

  • Covers single-use ureteral stents with retaining features at both ends.
  • Applicable to stents ranging from 3.7 Fr to 14.0 Fr in diameter and 8 cm to 30 cm in length.
  • Excludes long-term indwelling stents and non-ureteral applications such as nephrostomy.

• Performance Test Methods

  • Retention Strength: Assesses the stent’s ability to remain securely in place, resisting migration within the urinary tract.
  • Break Strength: Measures the tensile force required to break the stent, ensuring structural integrity.
  • Elongation: Evaluates the material's flexibility and ability to stretch without failing.
  • Dynamic Frictional Force: Simulates the resistance encountered during placement through an endoscope, supporting low-friction claims.
  • Radiopacity: Ensures the stent’s visibility under medical imaging (e.g., X-ray).

• Biocompatibility and Sterility

  • Mandates testing according to recognized biological safety standards.
  • Stents must be sterile and free from microorganisms as per relevant guidelines.

• Test Media

  • Testing is performed using human urine, artificial urine, or saline solution to mimic physiological conditions.

• Reporting Requirements

  • Specifies detailed documentation of test results, including test conditions and stent characteristics.

Applications

The ASTM F1828-22 ureteral stent standard provides significant value in clinical and manufacturing settings:

• Medical Device Manufacturers

  • Guides the design, development, and validation of ureteral stents for short-term urinary drainage.
  • Helps ensure products meet stringent mechanical and biological performance criteria before market release.
  • Supports regulatory submissions by outlining globally recognized evaluation methods.

• Clinicians and Healthcare Institutions

  • Assists in selecting appropriately tested ureteral stents for patients, promoting patient safety and effective urinary drainage.
  • Informs purchasing decisions by clarifying performance benchmarks.

• Regulatory and Testing Laboratories

  • Provides consistent methodology for independent assessment of ureteral stent quality and compliance.
  • Aids in harmonization of device evaluation in accordance with World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) guidelines.

Related Standards

Organizations and professionals referencing ASTM F1828-22 may also consult:

• ASTM D412

  • Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tension (used in break strength and elongation testing)

• ASTM F640

  • Test Methods for Determining Radiopacity for Medical Use

• ASTM F748

  • Practice for Selecting Generic Biological Test Methods for Materials and Devices

These related standards support comprehensive evaluation of materials, performance, and safety for urological medical devices.

Keywords: ureteral stents, ASTM F1828-22, urology devices, test methods, medical device standards, biocompatibility, radiopacity, break strength, dynamic friction, polymers, urinary drainage, single-use stents, healthcare compliance.