Grip Type Alters Maximal Pinch Forces in Syringe Use

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine maximum forces during syringe use for different grips found in the field. Background: Prolonged syringe use in chemotherapy drug delivery is associated with pain and injury in nurses and technicians. Method: Twenty healthy female hospital workers generated isometric maximum voluntary force using a 30 cc syringe with four pinch grips (chuck, chuck variation, thenar, two-handed). Both dominant and nondominant hands were used with the syringe plunger fixed in wide (8.3 cm) and narrow (2.5 cm) grip spans. Participants were encouraged to position the apparatus in the most comfortable position and exert a maximal effort for 5 seconds. Results: Significant interaction effects were found: Grip Span × Pinch Type, Hand × Pinch Type, and Grip Span × Hand × Pinch Type ( p < .05). The results demonstrated that the thenar (103.6 ± 22.9 N) and two-handed (104.7 ± 17.1 N) pinches produced the highest forces. Conclusion: Thenar and two-handed pinch grips may be the preferred pinch type to lower the relative efforts required to use a syringe and may be one strategy to assist with reduction of musculoskeletal disorder risk associated with syringe use. Application: Determining maximal syringe press forces allows workers and ergonomists to develop better strategies for managing the cumulative loads during drug delivery and mixing.

Synergistic effects of kaolin and talc in a bromobutyl rubber compound for syringe plunger application

The effectiveness of separate and combined incorporation of two natural, inexpensive, and nontoxic filler materials, kaolin and talc, at their various proportions in a bromobutyl rubber (BIIR) compound for a medical syringe plunger was investigated. The dispersion of kaolin was finer and more homogeneous than talc in BIIR. The curing was also enhanced in the presence of kaolin than talc. The difference in dispersion as well as reinforcing effects of the different fillers were reflected in the dynamic mechanical properties of the compounds. Tensile properties of the compounds were not significantly varied with varying kaolin/talc ratio of the compounds, however, tear strength decreased for higher contents of talc in the compounds. A significant synergistic reduction of compression set was achieved for 75/15 ratio of kaolin and talc in the rubber compound, very important for a plunger compound.

Endoscopic vocal fold injection using a 25-gauge butterfly needle

Objective:To describe a useful technique for infiltrating a bulking agent using a butterfly needle, as part of a transoral endoscopic vocal fold medialisation procedure.Methods:This paper describes the procedure of grasping the needle with phonosurgery forceps and administering the injectate to the vocal fold through careful application of the syringe plunger via a length of rubber tubing from outside the mouth.Results:This procedure is performed routinely in our institution without complication. The advantages of this technique are discussed.Conclusion:This is a safe and easy method of injecting into a vocal fold.