New syringe-testing rig launched

A new syringe-testing rig has been launched by texture analysis equipment provider, Stable Micro Systems.

According to the firm the rig "guarantees accurate, repeatable results, that enable syringe manufacturers to identify problems and produce safe, user-friendly products."

The injectable drug market is growing strongly at present, driven by the rising number of biologic drugs coming though the biopharma industry's pipelines.

Successful drug administration relies on the effective tracking of the syringe piston within its outer tube - by testing the ease with which an injectable solution is expressed, manufacturers are able to optimise usability, patient comfort, quality control and product safety.

"The universal design of the syringe testing rig allows manufacturers to determine the force required to remove the plunger from the syringe, thus emulating the ease with which the syringe piston is withdrawn," said Stable Micro Systems.

The new syringe tester is used in conjunction with the company's TA.XTPlus texture analyser.

Prior to testing, the syringe is held in place by a locking insert, which is adjusted up to a diameter of 40mm and accommodates a wide range of syringe shapes and sizes, the firm said.

A flat probe, connected to the arm of the TA.XTPlus, exerts pressure on the syringe piston, measuring its resistance to compression. Using Exponent software, a mean force is produced in graph form to provide an average measure of the ease with which the syringe is depressed and fluids are discharged.