(Silk Suture, Sterile, Braided, in Distributor for Veterinary Use, Ph. Eur. monograph 0606)
DEFINITION
Sterile braided silk suture in distributor for veterinary use is obtained by braiding a variable number of threads, according to the diameter required, of degummed silk obtained from the cocoons of the silkworm Bombyx mori L. It may be coloured with colouring matter authorised by the competent authority. The suture is then sterilised.
IDENTIFICATION
A. Dissect the end of a strand, using a needle or fine tweezers, to isolate a few individual fibres. The fibres are sometimes marked with very fine longitudinal striations parallel to the axis of the strand. Examined under a microscope, a cross-section is more or less triangular or semi-circular, with rounded edges and without a lumen.
B. Infrared absorption spectrophotometry (2.2.24). Examine by attenuated total reflection (ATR).
Absorption maxima and intensities: 3280 ± 5 cm (strong); 2923 ± 15 cm (medium); 1622 ± 15 cm (strong); 1512 ± 5 cm (strong); 1444 ± 7 cm (medium); 1226 ± 10 cm (medium).
Additives and coatings of materials might lead to additional peaks.
TESTS
It complies with the tests prescribed in the monograph Strands, sterile non-absorbable, in distributor for veterinary use (0605).
STORAGE
See the monograph Strands, sterile non-absorbable, in distributor for veterinary use (0605).
LABELLING
See the monograph Strands, sterile non-absorbable, in distributor for veterinary use (0605).
