1.1 This practice provides a series of experimental protocols for biological assays of tissue reaction to nonabsorbable biomaterials for surgical implants. It assesses the effects of the material on animal tissue in which it is implanted. The experimental protocol is not designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the systemic toxicity, carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, or mutagenicity of the material. It applies only to materials with projected applications in human subjects where the materials will reside in bone or soft tissue in excess of 30 days and will remain unabsorbed. Applications in other organ systems or tissues may be inappropriate and are therefore excluded. Control materials will consist of any one of the metal alloys in Specifications F67, F75, F90, F136, F138, or F562, high purity dense aluminum oxide as described in Specification F603, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene as stated in Specification F648 or USP polyethylene negative control.

1.2 This document is a combination of Practice F361-80 and Practice F469-78. The purpose, basic procedure, and method of evaluation of each type of material are similar; therefore, they have been combined.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.