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We all know that the primary function of any package is storing, handling & protecting the product. So, what is package integrity? Package integrity is defined as a package’s ability to protect its contents from potential hazards that include various physical, microbial & chemical factors. Its usefulness may have many nuances depending on the products & content. But industries like pharmaceutical, nutrition & medical device, deal with lifesaving & sustaining products that are shipped across the globe. Any discontinuity in the package can result in the contamination of the product making a life-saving product into a life-threatening one. Therefore, package integrity is imperative to ensure the safety of the products at the time of use.

The selection of the appropriate package inspection method is essential to maintain the quality standards that the regulatory bodies stand by today. Since 2016, the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) released guidance encouraging the use of deterministic, reliable test methods. Package leak test methods offered by CCIT s.a. are all deterministic, non-destructive, quantitative test methods with a specific on the reliability of the test result to assure integrity at the highest level.

VeriPac Vacuum Decay Technology

Vacuum decay is validated as one of the most reliable & sensitive vacuum-based leak detection methods that give quantitative & reproducible results with a pass or fail determination. PTI’s VeriPac inspection method is based on vacuum decay technology. It is one of the most ideal non-destructive container closure integrity testing solutions for different types of package formats that include parenteral packaging and other types of flexible and semi-flexible package formats. This method is non-invasive, non-subjective & requires no sample preparation. VeriPac 400 series can be used in various applications like stability studies, clinical trials, quality assurance testing and production statistical process control.

With PERMA-VAC, PTI redefined the vacuum-based leak detection method and addresses vacuum decay leak detection at the very core of physical test measurement & maximizing the SNR between good and defective samples.

Microcurrent HVLD

PTI has revolutionized the conventional HVLD method with the new HVLDmc – MicroCurrent HVLD, a highly sensitive leak detection method for all Parenteral and Biologic Products. The new E-scan 655 Microcurrent HVLD system exposes the product and environment to less than 5% of the voltage than conventional HVLD solutions. Referenced in USP <1207>, PTI’s HVLDmc has proven to be a highly sensitive leak detection method for applications like pre-filled syringes, vials, cartridges, ampoules, BFS, bottles, pouches.

Airborne Ultrasound

PTI’s proprietary Airborne Ultrasound technology is one of the most reliable seal quality inspection methods that characterize the overall quality and uniformity of the seal. This technology can be integrated for 100% online leak detection of pouch seals. Airborne ultrasound can be used for many material types such as Tyvek ®, paper, foil, film, aluminum, plastic & poly. This technology is referenced in the new USP <1207> Chapter guidance as a deterministic test method for seal quality testing. It is also an ASTM Test Method and FDA-recognized standard for seal quality testing.

Automated Inline Solutions

CCIT provides automated package inspection solutions across all PTI technology platforms – Vacuum Decay, Airborne Ultrasound and MicroCurrent HVLD. The Automated Systems are designed using PTI’s VeriPac, MicroCurrent HVLD and Airborne Ultrasound technologies for applications that include automated statistical process control (SPC) testing and 100% inline testing. The configurations are equipped with the capability of fully automated inspection with robotic pick and place. HVLDmc and Vacuum Decay overlap in capabilities, but more importantly encompass the full parenteral market range. The Airborne Ultrasound Technology for the 100% inline inspection of pouch seals has been an efficacious solution to verify final pouch seal quality.

Helium Leak Testing

Helium leak testing can be used for packaging tests quantitatively using helium as a tracer gas. Helium-based leak testing systems allow comparison between multiple packaging materials and forms production line settings and stability storage conditions, supporting the entire lifecycle. This method is also effective for various package types including cold form blister cards, foil pouches, parenteral vials, syringes, pre-filled syringes and unique medical devices.

The package systems of complex drug and biologic required to be stored at below -20°C, and needs storage and distribution environment that include dry ice (~-78.5°C), or even liquid nitrogen (~-200°C) can be quantitively and accurately tested using helium leak detection technology. This one technology has many applications for container closure integrity testing of pharmaceutical and medical device products.