Overview
ISO 10555-6:2015/Amd 1:2019 is an important international standard providing specifications for intravascular catheters, specifically focusing on sterile and single-use subcutaneous implanted ports. This amendment refines performance criteria related to the flow rate of these devices, ensuring enhanced safety, reliability, and clinical performance. Developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 84-dedicated to devices for medicinal product administration and catheters-this document supports manufacturers, healthcare providers, and regulators in maintaining high-quality standards for vascular access devices.
Key Topics
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Scope and Purpose
This amendment updates the original 2015 ISO 10555-6 standard, emphasizing the testing and verification of flow rates in subcutaneous implanted ports. These ports are critical for long-term vascular access used in chemotherapy, parenteral nutrition, and other intravenous therapies.
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Flow Rate Requirements
The document mandates that the flow rate for each lumen of the catheter must meet specific minimum thresholds:
- For catheters with a nominal outside diameter less than 1.0 mm, the flow rate shall be at least 80% of the stated value in the instructions for use.
- For catheters with a nominal outside diameter equal to or greater than 1.0 mm, a minimum of 90% of the stated flow rate is required.
- Special consideration is given to hydratable catheters, where flow rate must be measured after hydration to simulate clinical conditions.
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Testing Methods Referenced
Flow rate testing follows protocols outlined in:
These referenced standards ensure consistency in assessing catheter performance across different devices and manufacturers.
- Sterility and Single-Use Specification
Continues to establish that these intravascular catheters must be supplied sterile and intended for single use to minimize infection risk and cross-contamination.
Applications
The ISO 10555-6:2015/Amd 1:2019 standard is pivotal for a range of clinical applications that require reliable long-term intravenous access:
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Chemotherapy Delivery
Enables safe administration of chemotherapeutic agents directly into the vascular system via implanted ports.
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Parenteral Nutrition
Supports continuous nutrition delivery for patients with compromised gastrointestinal function.
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Power Injection Procedures
For high-pressure contrast media injection during diagnostic imaging, ensuring ports function effectively under increased flow rate demands.
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Vascular Access in Oncology and Chronic Disease
Facilitates repeated vascular access without causing vein damage or discomfort.
Manufacturers use this standard to design, test, and validate intravascular catheter products, ensuring compliance with international safety and performance criteria. Healthcare institutions rely on these standards to evaluate device suitability and maintain quality patient care.
Related Standards
- ISO 10555-1:2013 - General requirements and testing methods for sterile, single-use intravascular catheters; referenced for flow rate testing procedures.
- ISO 10993 Series - Biological evaluation of medical devices, complementary to catheter sterility and biocompatibility.
- ISO 13485 - Quality management systems for medical devices, ensuring the manufacturing process aligns with recognized norms.
- ISO 18934 - Power injectable ports, providing additional guidelines for devices capable of handling high flow rates safely.
These related standards collectively support the entire lifecycle and regulatory compliance of intravascular catheter products, from design and testing to clinical use.
By adhering to ISO 10555-6:2015/Amd 1:2019, manufacturers and healthcare providers can ensure the highest standards in subcutaneous implanted port safety, performance, and reliability, ultimately improving patient outcomes in intravenous therapy. For detailed technical and procedural guidance, consult the full ISO documentation through authorized channels.
Open preview (PDF)Intravascular catheters — Sterile and single-use catheters — Part 6: Subcutaneous implanted ports — Amendment 1