Developing the next generation of medical devices to diagnose, monitor and treat disease
The world is home to an ageing and growing population living with increased chronic disease. This leads to increased competitivity and pressure on developers to bring devices and technologies to market faster, while meeting increasingly stringent regulations for patient safety.
NPL's world-class research, calibrations and specialised measurement services are supporting the shift towards proactive healthcare, enabled by innovative medical devices. We offer a range of consultancy and services to support, from performance testing at development stage, to helping our customers comply with demanding quality control regulations.
See below for an overview of the key services we offer to the medical devices sector.
Ultrasound
Hydrophones for ultrasonics calibration
We offer UKAS accredited and ISO 17025 compliant characterisation of ultrasonic medical devices.
Ultrasonic measurement and testing
NPL offers acoustic holography, acoustic output measurement, ultrasound exposure testing and characterisation of material properties.
Ultrasound power and radiation force balances
NPL provides measurement of acoustic output power generated either by transducers or reference sources, and calibrates radiation force balances.
Industrial sterilisation
Alanine dosemeter reference service
We measure the amount of radiation required to sterilise products for regulatory compliance. Alanine is a stable amino acid, solely developed for and used by NPL.
High dose cobalt-60 irradiations
Our 60Co self-shielded irradiators are available for the irradiation of dosimeters or investigations, and tests of materials.
Radiotherapy and diagnostic services
Medical radiation consultancy
NPL provides tailored solutions and independent advice for radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, radiobiology, MRI, radiation protection and industrial sterilisation.
Hire of Linac facility and hire of radiation protection
Our facilities are available for hire to customers wishing to perform tests or calibrations to their own procedures.
Pre-clinical dosimetry consultancy radiobiology
We provide access to a range of dosimetry measurements, from reference dosimetry to end-to-end audit of commercial and bespoke radiation units.
Product development and quality control
Mass spectrometry and surface analysis
Our independent and reliable measurement expertise can support medical device development, help you understand device failures and improve quality control.
New low-cost flexible X-ray detectors
NPL improves access to medical ultrasound quality assurance
Contact us
Our research and measurement solutions support innovation and product development. We work with companies to deliver business advantage and commercial success.
Contact our Customer Services team on +44 20 8943 7070