Helapet Puts a Cap on Contamination

Helapet PharmaPack® BD Luer Lock Syringes in combination with our select range of sterile syringe endcaps are proven to deliver validated physical and microbiological integrity closure for the approved production of injectable medicines. In compliance with recommended guidelines*, Helapet PharmaPack® BD Luer Lock Syringes demonstrate the secure and integral closure required for approved syringe preparations leaving pharmacy.

PharmaPack® is Helapet’s exclusive brand of sterile multi-pack syringes, purpose designed, packaged and sterilised for efficient and cost-effective transfer of several syringes in cleanroom and isolator environments. Consisting predominantly of BD Plastipak® Luer Lock Syringes, each batch is securely contained within low-linting, sterile multi-bag packaging. Supporting stringent aseptic transfer procedures, PharmaPack® prevents the risk of cross contamination whilst reducing time, labour and expense.

Following the release of the 2013 Yellow Document on the Protocols for the Integrity Testing of Syringes*, it is necessary for Aseptic Pharmacy Units (APU’s) to assess the integrity of the applied syringe/endcap combination when preparing injectable medicines. Using both microbiological and physical integrity testing, a comprehensive assessment of the luer-lock closure can be made and evidence used to approve the use of this syringe/endcap combination for the sterile preparation of patient medications.

Helapet conducted closure validations using 3 types of our syringe cap; our integral stop cap used with our capped our PharmaPack® syringes, the popular sterile Combi-Cap (#IV2102) and the Tamper-Evident IV Syringe Cap (#IV5750R). Our objective was to test and pass the strictest evaluations when used in combination with BD PlastiPak® Luer Lock Syringes.

The two test methodologies undertaken involved a suitable number of test samples of our syringe/endcap combinations undergoing microbiological and physical integrity testing by a recognised NHS Laboratory. The microbial integrity evaluation involved sterile filling each sample, which was then challenged by immersion in a culture of Brevundimonas Diminuta and incubated at 30-35°C for 14 consecutive days. Physical integrity testing involved the samples being subjected to a dye intrusion test to determine whether any dye appeared to have entered the syringe barrel whilst under conditions matching those used for patient products.

The results concluded that all Helapet syringe caps in combination with the PlastiPak® BD Leur Lock Syringes demonstrated the suitable durability required to pass both integrity tests, confirming that our syringe/endcap combinations deliver assured closure against potential physical leakages and external microbial contamination†.  Helapet has been a respected supplier to the NHS for over 30 years and we continue to ensure that our portfolio of sterile single-use consumables continue to meet the high standards and requirements of healthcare professionals.  

A test results summary is available on request by emailing info@helapet.co.uk

To learn more about our range of Syringe Caps and our PharmaPack® range of sterile multi-pack syringes, email sales@helapet.co.uk or call +44 (0)1582 501980 for further information, trial samples and latest pricing.