By Maria Ofitserova
For several years now, Pickering Laboratories has continued to expand our line of Product Testing Solutions to include new synthetic body fluids or environmental solutions. We offer a variety of formulations of artificial perspiration, sebum and saliva for testing fabrics, plastics, dental alloys, medical devices, wearables and other electronics and many different consumer products.
The challenges that Covid-19 pandemic presents for the pharmaceutical and health care industry are staggering, and they impact manufacturers of medical devices and personal protective equipment as well. This brings into focus the need for artificial bodily fluids that can be used for both ongoing testing and tackling the new developments introduced by the Coronavirus crisis.
Currently, Pickering Laboratories offers Artificial Lung Fluid called Gamble’s solution, which is used to simulate different interstitial conditions in the lung. Several artificial lung fluid formulations are described in literature and we would be happy to discuss customers’ particular testing needs and help you choose the correct solution for your specific application. As established manufacturers of medical devices are now joined by companies newly entering the health care space, we are proud to do our part in ensuring that medical equipment, such as ventilators, get properly tested.
Extensive shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) are creating another layer of emergency during this time. The shortage has forced many companies to consider implementing new sterilization techniques for personal protective equipment originally designed for a single use only.
Masks are especially challenging to sterilized since they get saturated with sweat and oil during use. They are also normally disposable items, not intended to undergo cleaning procedures. Pickering’s artificial perspiration and sebum can simulate the real-world conditions most PPE are exposed to and can be used to help develop ways to safely extend their use.
Pickering’s staff is dedicated to working hard to support our customers, new and returning. We are recommitting to our promise of providing quality reagents and solutions quickly to support essential businesses and supporting manufacturers.
We are accommodating custom formulation requests with accelerated response times. Our Technical Support Chemists are ready to answer any questions you may have. Our Research Chemists are working side-by-side with our production team to rapidly meet demand on new custom projects.
Please reach out if you would like additional information: support@pickeringlabs.com
As the scrutiny of Glyphosate grows in the United States, a U.S. Government Accountability Office report has criticized the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for not sufficiently monitoring residues of the chemical on foods. This February, the FDA announced testing of Glyphosate in foods including soybeans, corn, milk, and eggs. Meanwhile, consumer groups, academics and testing laboratories have claimed to have detected Glyphosate in breast milk, honey, cereal, wheat flour, soy sauce, and infant formula as well.