Understand How Your Packaging Performs Under Temperature Challenges
Your shipping system brings together insulation, refrigerants, payload, and a defined packout. Thermal testing helps you assess how that configuration performs when exposed to external temperature changes.
For temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and biologics, this information can help you identify weaknesses, refine your packaging, and make informed decisions before moving forward.
Cold chain testing can support:
- Development of new temperature-controlled packaging.
- Comparison of packaging designs and packout configurations.
- Evaluation of changes to packaging materials or shipping methods.
- Assessment of thermal performance over a defined shipping duration.
- Preparation for packaging qualification.
ISTA 7D and ISTA 7E Testing
ISTA 7D is a development test used to evaluate the effects of external temperature exposure on packaged products. It helps teams investigate thermal performance while developing or refining a shipping system.
Use ISTA 7D to compare configurations, explore potential risks, and gather information to guide your next design decision.
ISTA 7E evaluates thermal transport packaging using heat and cold profiles developed from real-world parcel shipping temperature data.
Testing assesses whether your shipping configuration maintains the required internal temperatures under the selected profile and duration. ISTA 7E can also support insulated shipping container qualification when used within the broader ISTA Standard 20 process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ISTA 7D and ISTA 7E?
ISTA 7D supports packaging development and comparison. ISTA 7E uses thermal profiles developed from parcel transport data and can support qualification activities within an appropriate study plan.
Does cold chain testing include shock and vibration?
Thermal testing evaluates temperature performance. Physical distribution hazards, such as shock and vibration, require complementary distribution testing.
What information should I provide to get started?
Share your product’s temperature requirements, intended shipping duration, packaging configuration, and project goals. If you’re still developing those details, describe where you are in the process.
Let’s Discuss Your Cold Chain Testing Needs
PDA Universe - Pharmaceutical Testing Inquiry
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