The concentric ring test has been proposed as the preferred method for testing the flexural strength of bioceramics. If the apparatus used for such tests is proved to be reliable and accurate, it may be adapted to enable cyclic fatigue testing. However, before such adaptions are made, it is necessary to ensure the apparatus operates satisfactorily. The assessment programme involved strain gauge and finite element analyses of both an advanced titanium alloy (IMI 834) and 3 mol % yttria-stabilized zirconia disc specimens and preliminary fatigue tests on IMI 834 discs. The results of the analyses indicate that concentrically loaded discs are exposed to peak biaxial stresses on the tensile surface of the specimen and that these stresses are uniformly distributed within the peak loaded region of the disc. The fatigue response of IMI 834 discs under concentric loading was similar to that under uniaxial tension and torsional loading. The success of this programme will now enable fatigue tests on bioceramic discs to be performed with confidence in the reliability of the test apparatus.