Medical grade silicone

Medical grade silicones are silicones tested for biocompatibility and are appropriate to be used for medical applications. The FDA regulates materials implanted into the body. Medical grade silicones are generally grouped into three categories: non implantable, short term implantable, and long-term implantable. Materials approved as USP Class V and VI can be considered medical grade. Most medical grade silicones are at least Class VI certified. Silicone suppliers and some silicone prototyping companies provide guidelines for material use .

History

In 1954, McDougall reported that various tissue cultures taken from warm-blooded animals known to be extraordinarily sensitive to foreign influences showed no deviation from usual growth patterns.

Uses

• Tubing
• Drains
• Feeding tubes
• Catheters
• Implants for long and short term use
• Seals and gaskets
• Condoms
• Menstrual cups [1]
• Sex toys

See also

• silicone
• United States Pharmacopeia
• FDA
• Silicone rubber
• Polymers
• Plastics engineering