Accredited laboratory
Bird Dog Testing Services
Bird Dog Laboratories is ISO 17025 Accredited to perform USP <671> testing for the functional properties of packaging systems used for pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements.
We test the functional properties of packaging systems used for solid oral dosage forms (SODFs) and liquid oral dosage forms (LODFs). The methods used determine the moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) i.e., water vapor permeation rate, for plastic packaging systems for manufacturers, packagers and repackagers. The methods also allow pharmacists and institutional repackagers to select appropriate containers to repackage SODFs and LODFs.
Testing capabilities
Testing Methods Explained
Method One
Method 1, known as barrier protection, assesses plastic containers and closures for solid oral dosage forms. It involves testing 15 containers and closures under conditions mimicking manufacture or storage. Anhydrous calcium chloride desiccant is used, and the test lasts 35 days at 40°C/75% RH, with weighings at specified intervals. Results are reported as average mg/day/container.
Method Two
Method 2 evaluates high or ultra-high barrier blister cards for SODF. It tests 10 Test Units, each with at least 10 cavities, using USP Reference Standard Desiccants. The test duration is 35 days at 40°C/75% RH. Results are reported as average mg/day/cavity.
Method Three
Method 3, akin to Methods 1 and 2, assesses low-barrier blister cards for SODF. It tests 10 Test Units, each with at least 10 cavities, using USP Reference Standard Desiccants. The test duration is 2 days at 40°C/75% RH. Results are reported as average mg/day/cavity.
Method Four
Method 4 is for blister cards of various barrier types, focusing on moisture egress. It tests 10 Test Units, each with at least 10 cavities, using water instead of desiccant. The test duration is 35 days at 40°C/25% RH. Results are reported as average mg/day/cavity.
Method Five
The Method 5 classification test is for multiple-unit SODF plastic packages without an induction seal. It uses 10 containers and 2 controls and desiccant. The test duration is 14 days at 23°C/75% RH, with results in mg/day/liter.
Method Six
Method 6 classifies multiple unit SODF plastic packages with an impervious seal, like induction seals. It uses 10 containers and 2 controls and desiccant, with the same test duration and result format as Method 5.
Method Seven
Method 7 is a classification test for single unit SODF containers, this method uses molecular sieve desiccants and assesses blister cards for moisture vapor transmission. The classification is A, B, C, or D based on performance.
Method Eight
Method 8 is a classification test for multiple unit liquid oral dosage form (LODF) containers. It uses 10 containers and 2 controls and water to assess moisture egress. Results are expressed as a percentage of weight loss, and containers are classified as “tight” if they meet specifications.
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Ensuring product safety through functional property testing of packaging systems.