Franz Diffusion Cell (Vertical Diffusion Cell)
A two-chamber glass cell used to measure how fast drug is released from creams, gels and ointments, or permeates through skin. Drug passes through a membrane into a stirred receptor medium that is sampled over time.
- Pharmaceutical (topicals and transdermals)
- Cosmetics
- Research and academia
Franz cell calibration procedures
Franz cell has no instrument calibration of its own in most labs. Its performance is controlled through qualification (below) and the system suitability or acceptance checks of each test that uses it.
Instrument qualification (DQ · IQ · OQ · PQ)
- 01
DQ — Design qualification
Defines cell size, orifice area, receptor volume, temperature control and sampling needs.
- 02
IQ — Installation qualification
Records cells, stirrer and heating units with certificates of dimensions.
- 03
OQ — Operational qualification
Verifies temperature at each position, stirring speed, receptor volume and orifice diameter.
- 04
PQ — Performance qualification
Shows consistent release results for a reference product over repeated runs.
Keep every Franz cell in control: usage logs, calibration and maintenance schedules, and automatic blocking of overdue instruments.