EMSL Analytical, Inc. Shelf Life Testing

Real Time vs. Accelerated Shelf Life Studies

There are two basic methods for performing shelf life studies: Real Time and Accelerated.

Real time studies store the product under the normal conditions of the product for
a period of time greater than the expected shelf life.

The product is checked at regular intervals to determine the point of product deterioration.

Accelerated shelf life studies attempt to predict the shelf life of a product without running a full length storage trial.

This type of study is usually used for products with a longer shelf life.

Acceleration factors, such as temperature, are applied to the product to attempt to increase the rate of deterioration.

The data can be used in predictive mathematical models to project spoilage rates and bacterial growth.

Accelerated studies should be used with caution, one must know a good deal about their specific
product formulation and properties to interpret the data optimally.

It is always recommended that when an accelerated study is selected that a dual,
real-time study is run concurrently to validate the projected data.

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