Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
The Quantification of Injectability by Mechanical Testing
Published on: May 13, 2020
A pilot study to measure the compressive and tensile forces required to use retractable intramuscular safety syringes
Donna Haiduven1, Shawn Applegarth, Heidi DiSalvo
1College of Public Health, Department of Global Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. dhaiduve@hsc.usf.edu
Background:
A pilot study was conducted at the Tampa Veterans Administration Patient Safety Center. The objective was to determine the forces required to operate retractable safety syringes to evaluate potential adverse occupational health and patient safety issues.
Methods:
Four brands (100 each) of retractable syringes were tested, using a digital force gauge, in air and in a simulated patient material (SPM). Compressive and tensile forces were measured while activating the retraction mechanism and withdrawing saline into the syringe barrel, respectively.
Results:
The mean compressive force was greater in SPM than in air in all 4 devices. There was a statistically significant compressive force difference between activation in air and SPM in devices 1 and 2 (P
Conclusion:
This pilot study has implications for device selection, training for users, design issues for manufacturers, and patient safety, as well as potential for future needlestick and ergonomic injuries. We recommend replication of this study with a computer-controlled force testing apparatus, and by testing multiple needle and syringe sizes.
