---
type: "WebPage"
title: "Particle counting laboratory according to USP 788"
description: "International pharmacopoeias require the control of subvisible particles in injectable preparations to ensure patient safety and the regulatory compliance of pharmaceutical products.FILAB supports pharmaceutical manufacturers and manufacturers of injectable delivery systems in carrying out particle count analysis in compliance with..."
resource: "https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-particulate-contaminant/particle-counting-laboratory-according-to-usp-788/"
tags: ["EN", "pll_628202f04ba97", "Anaïs DECAUX"]
timestamp: "2026-08-18T14:23:00Z"
published: "2022-06-15T14:08:27Z"
language: "en"
author: "bwa"
---

# Particle counting laboratory according to USP 788

International pharmacopoeias require the control of subvisible particles in injectable preparations to ensure patient safety and the regulatory compliance of pharmaceutical products.

FILAB supports pharmaceutical manufacturers and manufacturers of injectable delivery systems in carrying out particle count analysis in compliance with USP <788>, the European Pharmacopoeia 2.9.19, and related standards.

## The United States Pharmacopeia regulates particle contamination counting: invisible particles

### What does USP 788 say?

The [USP <788>](https://www.uspnf.com/sites/default/files/usp_pdf/EN/USPNF/revisions/788_particulate_matter_in_injections.pdf) “Particulate Matter in Injections” defines the requirements for controlling subvisible particles present in injectable solutions and parenteral infusions.

This regulation requires:

- counting particles ≥10 µm and ≥25 µm,
- maximum allowable limits,
- standardized analytical methods,
- acceptance criteria based on the injectable volume.

### Particle count limits according to USP <788>

**Small Volume Injections (SVI)**

- ≤ 6000 particles ≥10 µm
- ≤ 600 particles ≥25 µm

**Large Volume Injections (LVI)**

- ≤ 25 particles/mL ≥10 µm
- ≤ 3 particles/mL ≥25 µm

**FILAB is COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited for [particle counting](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-deposit-contamination/laboratory-identification-counting-particulate-contmaninant.md) analysis on Medical Devices and Equipment according to ISO 19227 and USP 788.**

 [Learn more](http://www.cofrac.fr)
## The FILAB laboratory, expert in particle contamination counting according to USP 788

### Our analytical methods for USP <788>

 [### Optical microscope (OM)](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-of-analysis-and-observation-by-optical-microscope-mo.md) [### MEB-EDX](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-sem-scanning-electron-microscopy.md) [### µ-FTIR](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-ftir-microscopy.md) [###

SP ICP-MS](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-nanomaterial/laboratory-single-particle-icp-ms-analysis-nanoparticles.md)
### Why perform USP <788> particulate testing?

Particle counting makes it possible to:

ensure batch release,

investigate contamination,

control primary packaging,

secure injectable products,

qualify a cleaning process,

evaluate an injectable delivery system.

Particulate contamination can have several sources. It can be generated by polymer materials or elastomers used in packaging and delivery systems. Particles can also come from glass, particularly during filling or container handling steps. Manufacturing processes, aseptic filling operations, and industrial equipment are also potential sources of particulate contamination in injectable products.

### Why choose FILAB for your USP analysis?

FILAB supports pharmaceutical manufacturers with:

- COFRAC ISO 17025 accreditation,
- expertise in particulate contamination,
- counting and identification capabilities,
- state-of-the-art analytical equipment,
- complex contamination investigations,
- analysis with short turnaround times.

## our related services

Identification of particles in your medical devices by [scanning electron microscopy (SEM)](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-sem-scanning-electron-microscopy.md)

Analysis of your medical devices by [infrared microscopy (IRTF)](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/tga-tga-ftir-and-tga-ms-analysis-at-filab-laboratory/atg-irtf-ftir-coupling-analysis-laboratory.md)

[Contamination analysis by SEM EDX](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-sem-scanning-electron-microscopy/laboratory-analysis-contaminants.md)

Particle extraction from medical devices

Particle counting by filtration using an [Optical Microscope (OM)](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-of-analysis-and-observation-by-optical-microscope-mo.md)

[Particle counting according to EP 2.9.19](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-injectable-drugs/particle-counting-laboratory-according-to-ep-2-9-19.md)

## Our FAQ

 What is the difference between USP <788> and USP <790>?
USP <788> covers subvisible particles, while USP <790> addresses visible particles in injectables.

 What is the difference between USP <788> and the European Pharmacopoeia 2.9.19?
The two standards are similar but have certain methodological and interpretative differences.

 Does USP <788> apply to medical devices?
Indirectly, yes, especially for injectable delivery systems and combination products.

 Which particles can be identified?
Metallic, polymeric, silicate particles, fibers, organic residues, process contaminants, glass, elastomers…

 How can i get a quote from FILAB?
To get a quote, you can contact our teams via our contact form, by phone, or by email.
All you need to do is send us your requirements (material type, desired analysis, any applicable standard, urgency, number of samples, etc.). We will then send you a personalized technical and pricing proposal within 24-48 hours.

 What is the typical turnaround time for analysis?
Lead times vary depending on the nature of the analysis and the complexity of the expert assessment project.
However, FILAB is committed to providing fast turnaround times tailored to your constraints and industrial urgencies.