How to Test the Bio Compatibility of Ink

Bio compatible ink is often used in contact lenses for coloring purposes. Because of its proximity to your eye, it is important that you make sure that the bio compatible ink is not toxic to living cells. There are several tests recommended by Ethox Life Sciences Division to ensure that the bio compatible ink is genuine and has no harmful ingredients that can affect cells in and around your eye. These steps require prior experience in laboratory testing. Contact a laboratory professional if you do have enough experience.

Things You'll Need

• Microscope
• Petri dish
• Sample cell layer

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Instructions

• 1

  Conduct a cytotoxicity test by using the "Direct Contact (ISO 10993-5)" method. Place the ink in a petri dish and make sure it is in direct contact with the cell layer for which you are trying to test. Wait for 24 hours. Use a microscope to examine presence of any morphological changes, such as reduction in cell density or lysis induced by the test material.

• 2

  Perform a skin sensitization test by using the "Guinea Pig Maximization Method (ISO 10993-10)." The Guinea Pig Maximization Test (GPMT) requires injection of Freund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA) followed by a single application of the substance with which you want to test. You may also choose to select skin extract. Wait for two weeks before you observe changes (if any).

• 3

  Perform a "Primary Skin Irritation (ISO 10993-10)" test. During this test, apply the ink as a patch to intact and/or abraded skin. Wait for at least 2 to 3 weeks before you look for any signs of irritation on the skin extract.