Gerresheimer presents the Gx InnoSafe

Published: 10-Nov-2017

An integrated and passive safety system for the prevention of unintentional needlestick injuries

With their exposed cannulas, used syringes are an omnipresent source of danger in doctor’s surgeries, labs and hospitals.

Existing needle protection systems reduce the risk of injury for the user, but require additional effort for filling on the part of the pharmaceutical companies and with respect to the use of the syringe by healthcare professionals.

The Gx InnoSafe is a syringe with an integrated and passive safety system that prevents unintentional needle stick injuries, whilst also removing the possibility of accidental reuse.

The product has been designed to consider the needs of pharmaceutical companies and health care professionals equally.

One careless movement is enough for healthcare professionals to injure themselves on unprotected, used syringe cannulas or come into contact with aggressive active ingredients.

In the most adverse case, this can result in serious infections. There is also a danger that already used syringes may accidentally be used a second time.

Gx InnoSafe provides reliable protection against needlestick injuries and eliminates the possibility of reuse. In contrast with many existing solutions, the needle protection mechanism is activated automatically and requires no further handling steps by the end user. This is called the passive needle protection system.

For pharmaceutical companies, it is also worth noting that the Gx InnoSafe syringes can take place on existing filling lines in the nested state without significant amendments to machinery.

The safety system can be installed just as simply as a standard needle shield. The syringe body is completely visible which allows the operator to check the presence of the active agent, its purity and the administering.

The injection itself is administered as usual. Following the removal of the ergonomic sealing cap with integrated flexible needle shield, the syringe is positioned at the injection point, the cannula inserted into the tissue and the active ingredient injected similar to a conventional syringe.

Accidental triggering of the safety system is prevented since the mechanism isn’t preloaded prior to the injection. The system is first activated with the piercing of the cannula which automatically ensures that the safety mechanism is permanently locked when removing the syringe from the injection point. This ensures that the cannula is reliably covered and the syringe cannot be reused.

For pharmaceutical companies, the Gx InnoSafe safety system is installed fully automatically - similar to a standard needle shield in a cleanroom onto Gx RTF glass syringes, checked 100% by visual inspection for potential needle piercing and safety system position.

The syringes are then packaged, sealed and sterilised with ethylene oxide gas including the safety system in a 100 hole tray (nest) and in a tub. They can be processed on existing filling lines without additional preparation or assembly steps.

The design of the safety mechanism ensures that unintended activation while filling, packaging and transport is avoided. The flexible needle shield is available in all customary available elastomers for pharmaceutical applications.

With the introduction of the new product line Gx InnoSafe is available for the 1.0 ml long RTF glass syringe with a ½" cannula. Additional syringe variants will follow.

Gx InnoSafe syringes can take place on existing filling lines in the nested state

Gx InnoSafe syringes can take place on existing filling lines in the nested state

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