The Technological Centre for Plastics (Andaltec) in Martos, Spain, reports that it has participated in the development of an innovative syringe carrier for use by healthcare personnel in emergency situations. The device, which was invented by nurse Ana Cintora, ensures that prefilled syringes are properly aligned and positioned for administration of the medication.

The syringe carrier is easy to clean, can be sterilized in a microwave, and makes the medication accessible to the healthcare worker while leaving his or her hands free to perform other tasks. Moreover, it is ergonomic and helps to increase efficiency when injecting medicine, said Andaltec. Cintora brought her idea to Andaltec, which has been involved in the whole development process. The center participated in the design, material selection, and prototyping of the device. It also conducted experimental tests on the prototype.

During the development process, Andaltec’s technicians proposed some design improvements. Notably, they suggested adding a clip to the device so that it could be attached to a belt. This design change allows the syringe carrier to be rotated and positioned parallel or perpendicular to the worker’s body, such that it can serve as a work table. The material selection process landed on polypropylene as the most cost-effective choice to produce a low-cost, high-quality device.

Syringe carrier answers unmet need.

Cintora, who is a practicing nurse in Madrid, explained in the press release why this device answers an unmet need in the marketplace. “Up to now, it was necessary to carry the medication that needs to be loaded and accessible in a tray or in our pockets, but carrying syringes in a pocket isn’t safe and the tray implies having at least one hand busy,” said Cintora. “Besides, the syringe carrier can be cleaned and sterilized after each patient, which makes it a very safe system. Andaltec has guided me through the whole process and they have suggested very valuable improvement measures that have been very helpful to develop the product,” added Cintora.

Once the device is ready for industrial-scale production, Cintora plans to establish a startup company. She is currently seeking investors to help market the product in Spain, which she hopes to accomplish by the first half of 2021.

Andaltec technician Mari Ángeles Pancorbo stressed that this project demonstrates how Andaltec can help entrepreneurs turn ideas into viable products. “This is a very clear example that R&D investment is very profitable, indeed, as we offer comprehensive support that allows to achieve a product ready to be marketed.”

Andaltec notes that it has extensive experience in medical applications, including the development of a device in collaboration with a University of Jaén researcher that prevents tearing during childbirth. Currently, the centre is involved in the PoliM3D project, which is developing active polymers for medical 3D printing.