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Visual Inspection Testing

29 May 2023

(Download: Visual Inspection Testing in PDF by Medistri)

Visual Inspection Testing provides a qualitative visual inspection to evaluate the appearance characteristics of unopened, intact seals in order to determine the presence of defects that may affect the integrity of the package. ASTM F1886 covers the determination of channels in the package seal down to a width of 75 μm (0.003 in.) with a 60 – 100 % probability.

Visual Inspection testing is a type of non-destructive testing used to detect defects in a product or material. It involves naked eye or the use of specialized equipment to inspect the surface of an object for any imperfections or irregularities.

Visual Inspection testing is an essential part of the packaging validation process. It helps ensuring the safety and quality of products by identifying flaws in materials and components before they are used in the final products and it evaluates potential risks for long-term sterility of the packaging system.

👉 There are several factors that determine the ability to visually detect channel defects in package seals:

  • The size of the channel in the package
  • The contrast in the areas that are sealed and unsealed
  • The amount of adhesion in the two package layers can impact the accuracy of the visual inspection
  • The type of adhesive used to seal the two package layers
  • The visual environment can also impact the inspection
  • The light angle
  • The use of magnification and degree of inspection.

Lastly, different materials provide different visuals. Some materials provide easier observations of deficiencies than others. It is important to note that this test is applicable to packages with at least one transparent side.

The actual inspection should take place at a distance between 30 centimeters and 45 centimeters (12 - 18 inches). Test professionals can use magnification devices such as eye loops - these are to be used as an analytical tool to characterize identified seal defects and deficiencies.

ASTM F1886 is a standard for visual inspection testing of materials and components. It outlines the requirements for inspecting materials and components for defects and irregularities, as well as safety precautions and procedures for conducting visual inspection tests.

ASTM F1886 covers:

  • General requirements for inspecting packaging materials and components
  • Safety precautions to be followed during these tests
  • Recommended practices for conducting these tests
  • Definitions related to this standard

Visual Inspection testing is an essential part of ensuring the quality and safety of materials and components. By conducting a Visual Inspection test, manufacturers can guarantee that their packaging protects its content as intended, meets regulatory requirements and it will arrive to the final user sterile, resulting in a safe environment for the pacient.

Should you fully validate your packaging system or should you simply test one particular characteristic of your packaging, Medistri laboratory is accredited and highly experienced for the most common tests methods provided by the regulatory agencies.

🎯 To learn more about Medistri’s Visual Inspection Testing, visit on our website at www.medistri.swiss or directly contact our team at contact@medistri.swiss.

- The Medistri Team

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