Home / Analytical Testing / Extractables and Leachables Testing

Extractables and leachables testing

Identify and control chemical risks with extractable and leachable testing designed to protect patient safety, support regulatory compliance, and strengthen product confidence. 
Extractables and leachables testing

Clarity at the chemical level

Extractables and leachables can introduce hidden risk into drug products and medical devices if not properly understood and controlled. Our comprehensive chemical characterization services help identify compounds that may migrate from materials, components, or packaging systems to protect both product integrity and patient safety.

We apply a science-driven, risk-based approach to extractables and leachables analysis, informed by global guidance and real-world manufacturing considerations. By combining worst-case extraction studies with advanced analytical techniques, our experienced teams generate meaningful, defensible data that supports risk assessment, regulatory submissions, and long-term product safety strategies.

Our extractables and leachables services include:

  • Extractables studies: Worst-case chemical characterization using exaggerated conditions to identify potential organic and inorganic compounds.
  • Leachables screening studies: Targeted, quantitative screening of aged product for extractable compounds leaching over into the product.
  • Method development and validation: Evaluation of leachable control methods for formal leachable stability studies.
  • Risk assessments: Unbiased support facilitating risk assessments for extractables and leachables from manufacturing processes per USP <1665> and USP <665>.
  • Stability studies: Accelerated and long-term studies to assess potential leachables under real-use conditions.

Advanced chemical characterization capabilities

Our extractables and leachables workflows are designed to deliver depth, sensitivity, and regulatory relevance using state-of-the-art instrumentation and validated methodologies.

Extractables Analysis

Devices and drug product packaging components are subjected to worst-case extraction conditions, with solvents, temperature, and duration selected based on applicable guidance, such as ISO 10993-18, USP <1663>, and USP <1664>. Extracted compounds are characterized and semi-quantitated using advanced analytical techniques.

Analytical Techniques and Instrumentation

  • UPLC–PDA–QTOF–MS: Identification of non-volatile organic compounds
  • DI–GC–MS: Identification of semi-volatile organic compounds
  • HS–GC–MS: Identification of volatile organic compounds
  • ICP–OES / ICP–MS: Detection of elemental impurities
  • Non-Volatile Residue (NVR) analysis: Establishment of exhaustive extraction conditions

Targeted Leachables Studies

Following extractables assessment, we develop validated, compound-specific methods to quantify leachables of concern. These methods support routine testing, long-term stability programs, and accelerated simulation studies designed to reflect real-world exposure scenarios.

Extractables, leachables, and risk: Ensuring safety in pharma manufacturing

Secure Data Accessibility

PacePort is our secure client data access portal; a web-based data delivery system that allows you to access to methods, specifications, reports, and other information at any time, from any location. The materials available via PacePort are of sufficient quality to be used during audits.

Get in touch

Whether you’re shaping early plans or preparing to scale, our teams are here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Start the conversation and we’ll get back to you quickly.