New transparent, USP Class VI material contains no Bisphenol-A

Crystal Vu™ Luers offer multiple benefits to medical device and biotech developers.

By William Shedd

February 9, 2009 --

Concern over Bisphenol-A, component found in polycarbonate plastics, led Marcia Coulson CEO of the Eldon James Corporation on a quest to find an alternative material, prior to launching a new line of luer connectors from EJ BioMed.

Bisphenol-A, which is used as a hardening agent in polycarbonate is considered to be hormone-disrupting chemical that is potentially harmful to human health and the environment. In the laboratory, it has been shown to cause both neurological and hormonal damage in lab animals. Already, 1000s of products containing Bisphenol-A have been removed from US markets and both Canada and the EU are discussing severe restrictions on its use.

According to Coulson, "it seems incongruous to use a material containing this substance for a product that is destined for medical applications, particularly if there is an alternative solution available".

Crystal Vu™

CrystalVu™ material competes with Polycarbonate in desirable physical characteristics, such a transparency, and an ability to withstand gamma sterilization; however, It out-performs polycarbonate in its ability to withstand multiple autoclave cycles because it does not cloud or stress crack. Crystal Vu™ also exhibits an unequalled chemical resistance among all transparent plastics.

• USP Class VI, EU2002/72/EC
• Clear transparent
• Contains no Bisphenol-A
• Sterilization by autoclave, gamma or EtO
• Robust, chemically resistant material

EJ Biomed's current luer line contains over 50 Crystal Vu™ products in addition to its standard offerings of animal-derivative-free polypropylene and Kynar® luers. Natural Nylon and White Medical Nylon luers are also available.

Crystal Vu™ Rotating Lock Luers, pictured at top, come in a variety of colors, facilitating use in color coded applications. The colored nut section rotates freely, eliminating tube-twisting when a connection is made.