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1.1 This guide covers the evaluation of porcine fibrinogen suitable for use in biomedical or pharmaceutical applications including, but not limited to, tissue-engineered medical products (TEMPs).

1.2 This guide addresses key parameters relevant for functionality, characterization, and purity of porcine fibrinogen.

1.3 As with any material, some characteristics of porcine fibrinogen may be altered by processing techniques, such as electrospinning (1)2 and sterilization, required for the production of a specific formulation or device. Therefore, properties of fabricated forms of this protein should be evaluated using test methods that are appropriate to ensure safety and efficacy and are not addressed in this guide.

1.4 The primary focus of this document is fibrinogen derived from porcine blood, which is similar to human fibrinogen. The biggest advantage that pigs have over other species (such as cattle, sheep, goats, elk, and deer) is that they are less likely to transmit transmissible spongiform encephalitis (TSE) (ISO 22442-1 Annex D; WHO Guidelines, 2003; WHO Guidelines, 2006; WHO Guidelines, 2010). The document may also discuss fibrinogen from other sources when useful information is available. Fibrin is also discussed in some sections.

1.5 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

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

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

5.1 The purpose of this guide is to provide guidance on characterization of the properties of porcine fibrinogen as a starting material for surgical implants and as a matrix for tissue-engineered medical products (TEMPs). This guide contains a set of physical and chemical parameters directly related to the function of porcine fibrinogen. This guide can be used to help select and characterize appropriate fibrinogen starting materials for specific purposes. Not all tests or parameters are suitable for all uses of fibrinogen.

5.2 Fibrinogen described in this guide may be used in various types of medical products including, but not limited to, implants, tissue-engineered medical products (TEMPs), and cell, drug, or DNA delivery vectors. The recommendations in this guide shall not be construed to guarantee the successful clinical application of any tissue-engineered medical product.

5.3 In determining whether fibrinogen meets the requirements for use in a TEMP, the relevant regulatory authorities or other appropriate guidelines relating to the production, regulation, and approval of TEMP products shall be taken into account (Guide E1298, Practice F981, Practice F1983).