Evaluation of force requirements during use of recycled plastic syringes

Forces required to withdraw the piston in recycled syringes were investigated. New disposable syringes were used as a reference. The force required in withdrawal of the piston for recycled syringes was between 3 and 8 times that required for the reference syringes. Lubrication reduced the force for the recycled syringes substantially. A modification of syringe recycling protocol is suggested.