Biocompatibility testing of polymers: in vivo implantation studies.

An in vivo method is described for screening polymeric materials for biocompatibility. The test is based on grading acute and subacute tissue reactions at 7 and 28 days, respectively, following implantation in rats. The method is reproducible and reliable. It is designed to provide uniform test criteria for biocompatibility assessment in the early phases of the development of surgical implant materials.