Home >> USP 62
USP 62 – Microbiological Examination of Non-Sterile Products
USP 62 is a test method that is performed to determine the presence of specified microorganisms in non-sterile products like cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and personal care products. In simple words, this test ensures that the product is safe for human use and does not cause any potential risks to a user’s health.
USP <62> Test Procedure
- In this method, the first step involves the enrichment of samples in Soybean Casein Digest Broth (Tryptic Soy Broth) or other appropriate media and then streaked on selective agars for the determination of specified microorganisms.
- Prior to routine specified microorganism testing, suitability testing is completed. Neutralization and dilution techniques are used in this test to ensure that the growth of the suspected microorganisms (test organisms) is not inhibited due to the antimicrobial agents that may already be present in the sample product.
USP Chapter 62 Industry Applications
Pharmaceutical industry
The pharmaceutical industry tests non-sterile products for microbiological safety thus preventing health risks. Manufacturers check the presence of harmful microorganisms like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in raw materials, in-process samples and finished products. Compliance ensures user’s health safety, regulatory adherence, legal avoidance and product integrity.
Cosmetic industry
Cosmetic products, particularly those applied to the skin, undergo rigorous microbiological testing to ensure the safety of the product. Compliance with this standard builds consumer trust and enhances the brand’s reputation for quality and safety.
Personal care products
Personal care products like shampoos, conditioners and soaps require regular testing to ensure their microbiological safety. Regular testing helps identify contamination sources. Adhering to these standards enhances product safety and maintains consumer trust.
Food and beverage industry
The standard, primarily used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, can also be applied to the food and beverage industry ensuring safe products free from harmful microorganisms, protecting consumer health and meeting regulatory standards.
Benefits of USP 62 Testing
Reduced risk of recalls
Product recall and bans is a serious risk that may lead to financial and reputation losses. One of the most frequent reasons for product recall is microbial contamination, which primarily affects the production of drugs, cosmetics and other personal care products. Regular testing can help manufacturers determine areas of possible contamination at early stages of production and in turn avoid recalls. Thus, it is possible to prevent significant financial losses and reputation damage through regular testing.
Regulatory approval
Pharmaceutical and cosmetic products must be approved by regulatory bodies such as the Food and Drug Administration in the US to be sold in the market. Meeting strict regulatory requirements is often required and it involves providing proof of the absence of pathogenic microorganisms in the product. It also provides manufacturers with the required data to issue necessary documents required for meeting compliance.
Competitive advantage
Compliance with this standard can be of great value. Businesses that have top-shelf microbiological testing and quality control practices will have competitive advantages over competitors who do not offer the same services. This will attract quality-driven, safety-conscious customers and business-oriented clientele.
Legal and financial protection
Compliance offers legal and financial assurance to the producers as they can defend themselves against lawsuits related to microbial contaminations. It also minimizes regulatory fines and sanctions’ threat while guaranteeing business’s stability and strategic effectiveness.
At Microbe Investigations, we offer USP <62> tests for microbiological examination of non-sterile products. Our microbiology experts work closely with our customers to fully understand their requirements offering both standardized and customized methods to suit all their testing needs. We also provide a range of microbiology testing services in diverse areas like textiles, disinfectants and cosmetics.
For more information or to request a quote on the USP 62 test, contact our experts here.
FAQs
USP 62 test is performed to determine the presence or absence of specific microorganisms present in non-sterile samples.
This test is applicable to non-sterile pharmaceuticals and other non-sterile products such as cosmetics and personal care products.
The test takes 1-2 weeks to complete.
This test is most relevant to the identification of specified microorganisms in non-sterile products detecting certain objectionable microorganisms only. It can be distinguished from general microbiological tests like the total viable count or sterility test due to its targeted focus on microorganisms which are pathogenic to humans and are potentially detrimental to product integrity.
This test detects specified microorganisms, including but not limited to Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Clostridium species, Salmonella species and Bile-tolerant gram-negative bacteria.
Yes, this test is applicable to both raw material and finished products. Testing of raw materials is useful in determining whether the raw materials are contaminated with microorganisms prior to use while testing of the manufactured products helps determine if the products have been contaminated during the manufacturing process.
The test validates the safety of pharma products by indicating the presence of any harmful pathogen which could lead to product deterioration or potential health risks on human consumption.
The outcome of this test is analyzed based on the given acceptance criteria provided under the USP guidelines. If the specified microorganisms are found within the acceptable limit then the product is deemed to have passed the test. If any of the targeted microorganisms are detected above the acceptable limit then the product is declared to be contaminated and needs further research and remedial actions.
This test has limitations such as targeting specific microorganisms, requiring specific conditions and media for accurate detection, and potentially causing false negatives or positives due to testing errors or sample handling issues.
The frequency of this test depends on the product type, regulatory requirements and the risk assessment of the manufacturing process. Typically, testing is performed on each batch of raw materials and finished products, but a risk-based approach may allow for less frequent testing if a robust quality control system is in place.
Yes, USP 62 testing can be used to detect contamination in dietary supplements. Ensuring that dietary supplements are free from specified harmful microorganisms helps protect consumer health and maintain product integrity.
If the product fails the test, then manufacturers must take corrective measures which involves determining the cause of the failed test, improving the manufacturing and quality control processes, and recall of the affected batch.
Common contaminants found in products that fail USP 62 testing include Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella species, Candida albicans, and Clostridium species.
Unlike other medical devices tests, USP 62 testing does not guarantee sterility since it is a test for non-sterile goods. Nonetheless, it may be a part of a chain of microbiological control measures to make sure that the medical devices would not support the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. For sterile medical devices, tests such as USP 71 would be more applicable.
Contact us for more information
Explore Other Tests
ASTME2149 | AATCC-100 | JISZ2801 | JISL1902 | EN 1276 | ISO 22196 | ISO 20743 | ISO 846 | ASTM E2180 | AATCC 147 | ASTM D7907-14 | ASTM E3031 | ASTM G29 | EN 16615 | EN 13697 | PAS 2424 | EN 1040 | EN 14349 | EN 13727 | EN 14561 | ASTM G22 | ASTM E1153 | ASTM D2574 | AATCC 174 | EN 14563 | EN 13704 | EN 1499 | EN 1500 | EN 14347 | EN 14348 | EN 1656 | EN 16437 | EN 12791 | ASTM E1174 | ASTM E2362
Antifungal Testing
AATCC 30 | ASTM G21 | EN 1650 | EN 1657 | EN 13624 | EN 1275 | ASTM C1338 | ASTM D5590