USP 26 and USP 42 refer to specific published editions of the United States Pharmacopeia.
the verdict
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the evidence backs this
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AS REPORTEDno primary record reached; this is what the reporting says
Retrieved reference discussion confirms that designations such as USPXX (referring to specific numbered editions like USP 26 and USP 42) represent particular published editions and standard sets of the United States Pharmacopeia.
# What do "USP 26" and "USP 42" mean?
Tags: polymers, terminology
- Score: 9
- Views: 1831
- Answers: 1
- Answered: yes
- Asked by: Juan Perez (634 rep)
- Asked: 2020-09-28
- Edited: 2021-03-07
- Site: chemistry
## Question
I am being asked by a colleague if the Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) we buy in our lab is "USP 26" or "USP 42". I've never heard those terms before. I searched up online but found nothing.
I'm sure its something concerning the US Pharmacopeia, but I've found their site to be extremely walled up and unhelpful.
Can anyone tell me what do those terms mean, and how to find out if my PVP is either? The manufacturer's Safety data sheet didn't seem to mention it.
Note: I don't work at a food grade or drug grade lab. I'm also not in the USA.
## Answers
### Answer by Juan Perez (score: 9 [ACCEPTED])
I was able to reach the manufacturer and ask her directly. USPXX is the "edition" of the US Pharmacopeia's "exams" that a product must pass in order to be considered pharmaceutical grade. As time goes on, these exams may get updated and improved. So a higher number USPXX means that a product passed a more recent (and likely, more demanding) USP set of exams.
Therefore, US