Reference number
ISO 7886-3:2005(E)
© ISO 2005
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
ISO
7886-3
First edition
2005-03-01
Sterile hypodermic syringes for single
use —
Part 3:
Auto-disable syringes for fixed-dose
immunization
Seringues hypodermiques stériles, non réutilisables —
Partie 3: Seringues autobloquantes pour vaccination à dose fixe
ISO 7886-3:2005(E)
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ii © ISO 2005 – All rights reserved
ISO 7886-3:2005(E)
iii© ISO 2005 – All rights reserved iii
Contents Page
Foreword............................................................................................................................................................ iv
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ v
1 Scope...................................................................................................................................................... 1
2 Normative references ........................................................................................................................... 1
3 Terms and definitions........................................................................................................................... 2
4 Nomenclature ........................................................................................................................................ 2
5 Cleanliness ............................................................................................................................................ 3
6 Limits for acidity or alkalinity .............................................................................................................. 3
7 Limits for extractable metals ............................................................................................................... 3
8 Lubricant ................................................................................................................................................ 3
9 Tolerance on nominal capacity ........................................................................................................... 3
10 Graduated scale .................................................................................................................................... 3
11 Barrel ...................................................................................................................................................... 4
12 Piston/plunger assembly...................................................................................................................... 4
13 Needle..................................................................................................................................................... 4
14 Performance .......................................................................................................................................... 5
15 Packaging .............................................................................................................................................. 6
16 Labelling................................................................................................................................................. 6
Annex A (normative) Method for preparation of extracts .............................................................................. 9
Annex B (informative) Test method for forces required to operate plunger .............................................. 10
Annex C (normative) Test method for testing auto-disable feature............................................................ 12
Bibliography ..................................................................................................................................................... 13
ISO 7886-3:2005(E)
iv © ISO 2005 – All rights reserved
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 7886-3 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 84, Devices for administration of medicinal
products and intravascular catheters, Subcommittee SC 1, Syringes, needles and intravascular catheters for
single use.
ISO 7886 consists of the following parts, under the general title Sterile hypodermic syringes for single use:
Part 1: Syringes for manual use
Part 2: Syringes for use with power-driven syringe pumps
Part 3: Auto-disable syringes for fixed-dose immunization
Part 4: Syringes with reuse prevention feature
For the purposes of this part of ISO 7886, the CEN annex regarding fulfilment of European Council Directives
has been removed.
ISO 7886-3:2005(E)
v© ISO 2005 – All rights reserved v
Introduction
ISO 7886 was first published in 1984. It was subsequently decided to divide it into two parts, ISO 7886-1
retaining essentially the scope of ISO 7886:1984, and ISO 7886-2 being applicable to sterile, single-use
syringes for use with power-driven pumps.
The preparation of this third part of ISO 7886 was recognized as a high priority requirement to prevent the re-
use of fixed dose immunization syringes in the developing and transitional countries. Re-use of injection
equipment in the absence of sterilization has increasingly led to transmission of blood-borne pathogens.
The World Health Organization had produced a specification for syringes that are rendered inactive after use
(commonly referred to as “auto-disable” syringes). Both the WHO and ISO agreed that an additional part of
ISO 7886 would be required to cover “auto-disable” syringes, whilst leaving in place ISO 7886 Parts 1 and 2
without modification, as a large number of devices in common use would not be intended to comply with the
auto-disable properties suggested.
This part of ISO 7886 is intended to cover “fixed dose” immunization syringes that are rendered inoperable
after delivery of the intended dose. These syringes are not covered by Parts 1 and 2 of ISO 7886.
It is recognized that syringes designed to reduce the risk of needlestick injuries, in addition to preventing
sharps injuries, may also comply with this part of ISO 7886 with regard to their auto-disable properties, but it is
stressed that anti-needlestick properties of syringes are not in themselves addressed in this part of ISO 7886.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 7886-3:2005(E)
© ISO 2005 – All rights reserved 1
Sterile hypodermic syringes for single use —
Part 3:
Auto-disable syringes for fixed-dose immunization
1 Scope
This part of ISO 7886 specifies the properties and performance of sterile single-use hypodermic syringes with
or without needle, made of plastic materials and stainless steel and intended for the aspiration of vaccines or
for the injection of vaccines immediately after filling. Upon delivering a fixed dose of vaccine, the syringe is
automatically rendered unusable.
This part of ISO 7886 does not specify the design of the auto-disable feature, which is left to the discretion of
the manufacturer.
This part of ISO 7886 is not applicable to syringes for use with insulin (specified in ISO 8537), syringes made
of glass (specified in ISO 595), syringes for use with power-driven syringe pumps (specified in ISO 7886-2),
auto-disable syringes for variable dose delivery and syringes designed to be prefilled. It does not address
compatibility with injection fluids/vaccines.
NOTE A fourth part of ISO 7886 is being prepared to cover syringes with reuse prevention feature.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 3696:1987, Water for analytical laboratory use — Specification and test methods
ISO 7864:1993, Sterile hypodermic needles for single use
ISO 7886-1:1993, Sterile hypodermic syringes for single use — Part 1: Syringes for manual use
ISO 8537:1991, Sterile single-use syringes, with or without needle, for insulin
ISO 9626, Stainless steel needle tubing for the manufacture of medical devices
ASTM D999-01, Standard methods for vibration testing of shipping containers
ASTM D5276-98, Standard test method for drop test of loaded containers by free fall
ISO 7886-3:2005(E)
2 © ISO 2005 – All rights reserved
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 7886-1:1993 (except 3.2) and
ISO 8537:1991 (except 3.1) and the following apply.
3.1
auto-disable syringe feature
feature that automatically activates upon administration of the intended fixed dose to prevent subsequent
re-use of the syringe and the needle
4 Nomenclature
The nomenclature for components of auto-disable syringes for fixed dose is shown in Figure 1.
Key
1 needle cap or end cap (if used)
2 needle
3 zero line
4 barrel
5 auto-disable feature
6 nominal capacity line
7 piston
8 fiducial line
9 seal(s)
10 finger grips
11 plunger
12 push-button
13 protective end cap (if used)
NOTE The drawing is intended to be illustrative of components of an auto-disable syringe only.
Figure 1 — Schematic representation of auto-disable syringe for fixed dose
ISO 7886-3:2005(E)
© ISO 2005 – All rights reserved 3
5 Cleanliness
Clause 5 of ISO 7886-1:1993 shall apply.
6 Limits for acidity or alkalinity
When determined with a laboratory pH meter and using a general purpose electrode, the pH value of an
extract prepared in accordance with Annex A shall be within one unit of pH of that of the control fluid.
7 Limits for extractable metals
When tested by a recognized microanalytical method, for example by an atomic absorption method, an extract
prepared in accordance with Annex A shall, when corrected for the metals content of the control fluid, contain
no greater than a combined total of 5 mg/l of lead, tin, zinc and iron. The cadmium content of the extract shall,
when corrected for the cadmium content of the control fluid, be lower than 0,1 mg/l.
8 Lubricant
Clause 8 of ISO 7886-1:1993 and 11.4 of ISO 7864:1993 shall apply.
9 Tolerance on nominal capacity
The volume of water at (20 ± 5) °C [or, for tropical countries (27 ± 5) °C] expelled from the syringe when the
fiducial line of the piston traverses the full scale (i.e. the intended fixed dose) shall be within the tolerances on
the nominal capacity as specified in Table 1.
Table 1 — Nominal capacity and dead space
Nominal capacity Tolerance on nominal capacity Maximum dead space for integrated and non-integrated needle
ml % ml
0,05 u V u 0,2 ± 20 % 0,025
0,2 < V u 2 ± 5 % 0,07
10 Graduated scale
10.1 Scale
The scale shall have only two markings, the zero line and the nominal capacity line (i.e. the total graduated
capacity line). These lines shall be of uniform thickness. They shall lie in planes at right angles to the axis of
the barrel.
10.2 Position of scale
10.4 of ISO 7886-1:1993 shall apply.
ISO 7886-3:2005(E)
4 © ISO 2005 – All rights reserved
11 Barrel
11.1 Dimensions
The length of the barrel and the design of the auto-disable feature shall be such that the syringe has a
maximum usable capacity of at least 10 % more than the nominal capacity and a recommended maximum
capacity of 20 % more than the nominal capacity.
11.2 Finger grips
11.2 of ISO 7886-1:1993 shall apply.
12 Piston/plunger assembly
12.1 Design
The design of the plunger and push-button of the syringe shall be such that, when the barrel is held in one
hand, the plunger can be depressed by the thumb of that hand. The piston shall not become detached from
the plunger when tested in accordance with Annex B of ISO 8537:1991 for a syringe with integrated needle or
in accordance with Annex B of ISO 7886-1:1993 for a syringe without needle.
The plunger should be of a length adequate to allow the piston properly to deliver the designated fixed dose. It
should not be possible to defeat the auto-disable feature by removing and re-inserting the plunger.
The projection of the plunger and the configuration of the push-button should be such as to allow the plunger
to be operated without difficulty. When the fiducial line of the piston coincides with the zero graduation line, the
preferred minimum length of the plunger from the surface of the finger grips nearer to the push-button shall be
8 mm.
12.2 Fit of the piston in the barrel
12.2 of ISO 7886-1:1993 shall apply.
NOTE Annex B gives a suggested test method and performance criteria for the forces required to move the plunger.
12.3 Fiducial line
12.3 of ISO 7886-1:1993 shall apply.
13 Needle
13.1 Integrated needle
Syringes with integrated needle shall have a minimum needle union force applied as push or pull in the
direction of the needle axis in accordance with ISO 7864:1993.
Needle tubing shall be in accordance with ISO 9626.
13.2 Non-integrated needle
If a non-integrated needle is used, it shall become an integral part of the syringe and cannot be detached.
Both the needle and the syringe shall be rendered incapable of re-use after delivery of the intended fixed dose,
under normal conditions of use.
ISO 7886-3:2005(E)
© ISO 2005 – All rights reserved 5
14 Performance
14.1 Dead space
When a syringe with needle is tested in accordance with Annex E of ISO 8537:1991, the dead space shall not
exceed the limits given in Table 1.
14.2 Freedom from air and liquid leakage
When a syringe with integrated needle is tested in accordance with Annex F of ISO 8537:1991 and a syringe
without needle is tested in accordance with Annex D of ISO 7886-1:1993, there shall be no leakage of water
past the piston or seal(s).
When a syringe with integrated needle is tested in accordance with Annex B of ISO 8537:1991 and a syringe
without needle is tested in accordance with Annex B of ISO 7886-1:1993, there shall be no leakage of air past
the piston or seal(s), and there shall be no fall in the manometer reading.
For syringes with integrated needle, 14.2 of ISO 8537:1991 shall apply.
14.3 Auto-disable feature
The syringe and needle shall be passively and automatically rendered unusable by the delivery of the
intended fixed dose. No secondary or additional action on the part of the user shall be required.
The timing of the activation of the auto-disable feature may vary by design, typically within the ranges
described below:
the auto-disable feature is automatically activated and remains effective from the time that the injection is
commenced;
the auto-disable feature is automatically activated and remains effective from the point when 50 % of the
intended fixed dose has been delivered;
the auto-disable feature is automatically activated on completion of the delivery of the intended fixed dose.
In all cases, once the auto-disable feature has been activated:
a) it shall not be possible to re-use the syringe and the needle under the normal conditions of use,
b) it shall not be possible to override the auto-disable feature when tested in accordance with the test
method in Annex C, i.e. it shall not be possible to re-use the syringe after applying a force of 100 N at a
speed of 100 mm/min on the plunger or a back pressure on the needle of 100 kPa/min up to 300 kPa.
14.4 Performance after shipping
There shall be no effect on the performance of the syringe when tested in accordance with ASTM D999-01
and ASTM D5276-98.
14.5 Guidance on materials
Guidance on some aspects of the selection of materials is given in Annex E of ISO 7886-1:1993.
ISO 7886-3:2005(E)
6 © ISO 2005 – All rights reserved
15 Packaging
15.1 Primary and unit containers and self-contained syringe units
15.1 of ISO 8537:1991 shall apply.
15.2 Secondary containers
15.2 of ISO 7886-1:1993 shall apply.
16 Labelling
16.1 Primary and unit containers and self-contained syringe units
16.1.1 Self-contained syringe units
The self-contained syringe unit shall bear at least the following information:
a) the words “for single use” or equivalent (such as symbol for single use, reference ISO 7000-1051); the
term “disposable” shall not be used;
b) the symbol indicating that the device possesses an auto-disable function for re-use prevention as given in
Figure 2;
c) the name and/or trade mark of the manufacturer or supplier;
d) the words “sterile interior” or equivalent symbol;
e) the lot number prefixed by the word “LOT” (or equivalent harmonized symbol);
f) the expiry date by year and month, prefixed by the word “EXP” (or an equivalent harmonized symbol);
g) external diameter and length of the needle, if included.
16.1.2 Primary and unit containers
The primary and/or unit container shall bear at least the following information:
a) the words “for single use” or equivalent (such as symbol for single use, reference ISO 7000-1051); the
term “disposable” shall not be used;
b) the symbol indicating that the device possesses an auto-disable function for re-use prevention as given in
Figure 2;
c) name and/or trade mark of the manufacturer or supplier;
d) the word “sterile” or equivalent harmonized sym