Plastic disposable syringes were first introduced in 1961. When the “Disposables Revolution” arrived, it greatly reduced the number of infections transferred between patients because syringes became single-use only. Medical operations also became more efficient as the sterilization process for reusable glass syringes was no longer required. The transition from glass to plastic syringes seemed like a no-brainer.

However, when this kind of groundbreaking change happens, it is important for the industry to verify that the patient experience does not worsen and that implementation is smooth. Testing plastic syringes determines how much force is needed to operate the plunger of the syringe so that minimal harm is caused to the patient.

Watch a video (below) for a test using a syringe fixture per ISO 7886-1 Annex G that measures the aspiration and ejection forces of the syringe plunger. Find more details about this fixture here.

Jim Ritchey is director of medical device and biomaterial markets for Instron.