ASTM F648-07 - 1.2.2007
 
1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene powder (UHMWPE) and fabricated forms intended for use in surgical implants.

1.2 The requirements of this specification apply to UHMWPE in two forms. One is virgin polymer powder (Section 4). The second is any form fabricated from this powder from which a finished product is subsequently produced (Section 5). This specification addresses material characteristics and does not apply to the packaged and sterilized finished implant.

1.3 The provisions of Specification D 4020 apply. Special requirements detailed in this specification are added to describe material which will be used in surgical implants.

1.4 The biological response to polyethylene in soft tissue and bone has been well characterized by a history of clinical use (1, 2, 3) and by laboratory studies (4,5 6, ).

The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 7, of this specification: 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.<>

 
2. Referenced Documents

D1898-68(1989)

Standard Practice for Sampling of Plastics (Withdrawn 1998)

F619-20

Standard Practice for Extraction of Materials Used in Medical Devices

F748-16

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

F749-20

Standard Practice for Evaluating Material Extracts by Intracutaneous Injection in the Rabbit

F895-11(2016)

Standard Test Method for Agar Diffusion Cell Culture Screening for Cytotoxicity

F981-23

Standard Practice for Assessment of Muscle and Bone Tissue Responses to Long-Term Implantable Materials Used in Medical Devices

D1505-18

Standard Test Method for Density of Plastics by the Density-Gradient Technique

D256-23e1

Standard Test Methods for Determining the Izod Pendulum Impact Resistance of Plastics (Includes all amendments and changes 4/7/2023).

D792-20

Standard Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Relative Density) of Plastics by Displacement

D790-17

Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials

D648-18

Standard Test Method for Deflection Temperature of Plastics Under Flexural Load in the Edgewise Position

D638-22

Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics

F763-22

Standard Practice for Short-Term Intramuscular Screening of Implantable Medical Device Materials

F756-17

Standard Practice for Assessment of Hemolytic Properties of Materials

F813-20

Standard Practice for Direct Contact Cell Culture Evaluation of Materials for Medical Devices

D4020-18

Standard Specification for Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Molding and Extrusion Materials