Surface chemistry is critical to the performance and safety of medical devices. Yet manufacturers often face critical questions late in the process: Is the coating thick enough? Has the surface been cleaned properly? Delays, failed submissions, and costly redesigns can follow. For smaller manufacturers, knowing when and what to test can be just as daunting. While R&D professionals focus on developing new surface chemistries for specific functions, quality teams often face challenges when surface-related issues compromise product integrity.

The Eurofins Medical Device Services network of laboratories is here to provide clarity and confidence. With decades of experience in surface chemistry and an expansive portfolio of analytical techniques, we partner with  manufacturers to uncover vital answers both early and accurately. Whether you’re developing new coatings or assessing performance-critical properties of existing ones, our laboratories deliver actionable data for regulatory submission and internal decision-making. 

Our experts can evaluate coatings, assess surface morphology, and identify microscopic contaminants with high precision. Depending on the application, surface treatments may be tailored to enhance lubricity, improve adhesion, prevent corrosion, or increase biocompatibility.

We regularly support clients with questions such as:

• What is present on the surface?
• How thick is the surface coating?
• What is the surface coverage?
• How rough or clean is the surface?

To answer these, we use a range of industry-standard techniques, including:

• XPS/ESCA
• Auger
• TOF-SIMS
• FTIR
• Raman
• AFM
• Optical Profilometry

Our capabilities help manufacturers:

• Evaluate the thickness and coverage of nitinol stent passivation layers
• Identify surface contaminants affecting adhesion
• Assess the morphology of lubricious hydrogel coatings or electropolished finishes.