Prefilled syringes are primarily made by forming and processing glass tubing into syringe barrels. Here's a breakdown of the process:
Prefilled Syringe Manufacturing Process
The creation of prefilled syringes involves several key steps, as outlined below:
1. Glass Tubing as the Base Material
- Traditionally, the syringe barrel is manufactured from high-quality glass tubing. This tubing is the foundation for the syringe.
2. Syringe Barrel Formation and Processing
- Syringe manufacturers take the glass tubing and use specialized equipment to form the shape of the syringe barrel. This includes shaping the main cylindrical body and the nozzle where the needle is attached.
- The formed glass undergoes processing, which can involve various steps like heat treatment to ensure strength and durability.
3. Purchase of Syringes and Components
- Once the syringe barrels are manufactured, pharmaceutical companies purchase these syringes.
- They also acquire the additional elastomeric components needed to complete the prefilled syringe package. These components include:
- Plungers: These are the parts that move within the barrel to dispense medication.
- Tip caps: These seal the syringe tip to prevent leakage and contamination.
- Needle shields: These protect the needle before use.
4. Assembly and Filling (Not detailed in reference)
- While not specified in the reference, the pharmaceutical companies then assemble the components and fill the syringes with the precise medication.
Key Takeaways
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Raw Material | Glass tubing forms the base. |
| 2. Barrel Formation | Manufacturers shape and process glass tubing into syringe barrels. |
| 3. Procurement | Pharma companies purchase syringes and elastomeric components. |
| 4. Assembly/Filling | Pharma companies assemble syringes and fill with medication. |
In summary, prefilled syringes are created through a process that starts with glass tubing being shaped into barrels, followed by the addition of plungers, tip caps, and needle shields, all procured by pharmaceutical companies.
