Interlaboratory studies to determine optimal analytical methods for measuring the oxidation index of UHMWPE

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has emerged as the technique of choice for the quantification of oxidation in ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene used in orthopedic implants. We initiated interlaboratory studies to determine the method of normalization, hence quantification, that provided the highest level of reproducibility across multiple institutions. The goal of this research was to identify optimal normalization methods that minimize the experimental uncertainties associated with interlaboratory reproducibility and intralaboratory repeatability of oxidation index measurements. Test samples were prepared from GUR 4150 HP, gamma irradiated in air, and had a shelf age of two years. Samples were analyzed according to ten oxidation index test methods during two interlaboratory studies, which were conducted in accordance with ASTM E691. Variations in reproducibility and repeatability were evaluated using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The basis of the test methods (peak area-based vs. peak height-based), as well as the normalization method, were both found to be associated with significant differences in reproducibility (p=0.0006 and p<0.0001, respectively). Normalization techniques based on the 1370 and 2022 cm−1 peaks areas were found to be the most reproducible methods, and were associated with mean interlaboratory uncertainties of 16.5% and 24.2%, respectively. Repeatability of the test methods was not sensitive to the normalization technique; the mean intralaboratory repeatability for all of oxidation index measurements was found to be 10.2%. The results of this interlaboratory research will be a useful basis for the development of a new oxidation index standard for the orthopedics community.