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A2LA accredited · ISO/IEC 17025

Endoscope Optical Performance Testing

Optical performance testing of rigid and flexible endoscopes to the ISO 8600 series, from field of view and resolution to color and latency, with reports ready for design verification and your FDA 510(k).

  • ISO 8600 series
  • ISO 15739
  • ISO 12233
Need optical data for a 510(k)? Consult with a medical device test expert.

Why Sigma

Objective optical data for every endoscope

We measure what your endoscope shows, with calibrated imaging systems and traceable optical targets, and report it the way design reviews and FDA submissions need.

  • ISO 8600 methods: field of view, direction of view, resolution and depth of field measured to the endoscope standards.
  • Calibrated and traceable: imaging systems and optical targets with traceable calibration.
  • Rigid and flexible endoscopes: including camera heads, video processors and light sources.
  • Accredited by A2LA: the ISO 8600 series, ISO 15739, ISO 12233 and IEC 62471 are within our ISO/IEC 17025 scope.
Test engineer adjusting an endoscope tip on an optical bench in front of a dot grid and color target

What we measure

The full picture of image quality

Measured for each endoscope model and each camera, processor and light source you combine it with. See how we measure →

Field and direction of viewField of view and direction of view of the endoscope, following ISO 8600-3
Resolution and depth of fieldOptical resolution, depth of field and optimum working distance, following ISO 8600-5
Spatial frequency responseSharpness of the imaging system across the image, following ISO 12233
Noise and dynamic rangeImage noise and the range of light levels the system can capture, following ISO 15739
Geometric distortionBarrel and pincushion distortion across the field of view
Image intensity uniformityBrightness from the center to the edge of the image
Color reproductionColor accuracy of the imaging system against calibrated color targets
Latency and light outputVideo latency, light output and photobiological safety to IEC 62471

Standards we test to

Standards and accreditation status

Optical tests to these standards are within our A2LA ISO/IEC 17025 scope (certificate 4896.01). Endoscope safety to IEC 60601-2-18 is FDA ASCA accredited.

StandardScopeAccreditation
ISO 8600-1Endoscopes: general requirementsA2LA
ISO 8600-3Determination of field of view and direction of viewA2LA
ISO 8600-4Determination of maximum width of insertion portionA2LA
ISO 8600-5Determination of optical resolution of rigid endoscopes with opticsA2LA
ISO 15739Noise and dynamic range measurementsA2LA
ISO 12233Resolution and spatial frequency responseA2LA
IEC 62471Photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systemsA2LA
IEC 60601-2-18Basic safety and essential performance of endoscopic equipment. See endoscope safety →ASCA · A2LA

Don’t see your standard? Contact us; we will tell you whether we can test to it and how it would be reported.

When you need it

From feasibility to production

Objective optical data at every stage of the endoscope life cycle.

01Feasibility and designCompare optical designs and suppliers with the same measurements.
02Design verificationVerify that the endoscope meets its optical specifications.
03510(k) performance dataOptical performance data for your submission, with the method and equipment described.
04Competitive benchmarkingYour endoscope and the predicate measured side by side.
05Manufacturing qualityOptical checks for production lots, repairs and incoming inspection.

Your challenges, our solutions

What manufacturers ask us most

“Our image looks sharp in the center but not at the edges.”

We measure resolution, distortion and uniformity across the whole field of view, so you see where the image degrades.

“Which optical data does FDA expect?”

We help you choose the optical parameters for your device type and report them with the method and equipment described.

“We need to show we match the predicate.”

We test both endoscopes with the same setup and targets, so the comparison holds up.

Your test report

A report ready for review

Every measured parameter, with the method, the calibrated equipment and representative images.

  • Field of view and direction of view
  • Resolution, depth of field and working distance
  • Noise, dynamic range and distortion
  • Uniformity and color reproduction
  • Video latency and light output
  • A2LA accredited optical test methods

Accreditation

Accredited optical testing

4896.01A2LA accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017. The ISO 8600 series, ISO 15739, ISO 12233 and IEC 62471 are within our scope.See the standards →
TL-114FDA ASCA accredited laboratory. Endoscope safety to IEC 60601-2-18 is within our ASCA scope.Endoscope safety →
24 hQuote response with scope, price and timeline for your endoscope.Request a quote →

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Are these tests accredited?

Yes, by A2LA. Optical performance testing to ISO 8600-1, -3, -4 and -5, ISO 15739 and ISO 12233 is within our A2LA ISO/IEC 17025 scope (certificate 4896.01). The report is issued under our A2LA accreditation. Endoscope safety to IEC 60601-2-18 is FDA ASCA accredited and can be tested in the same program.

Can I use the results in a 510(k)?

Yes, as performance data. The report describes the methods, the calibrated equipment and the results, so reviewers can follow how each value was obtained.

What do I need to send?

The endoscope with the camera head, processor and light source it is used with, and its optical specifications. We send a checklist with the quote.

How fast can I get a quote?

Within 24 hours. Tell us the endoscope, the parameters you need and the intended use, and we reply with scope, price and timeline.

Request an endoscope optical testing quote

Tell us about your device and the standards you need. You’ll have a quote within 24 hours.

(305) 239-4441 info@sigmascientific.us 490 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway, Suite 130, Sunrise, FL 33325

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