A pilot study to measure the compressive and tensile forces required to use retractable intramuscular safety syringes.

Background: A pilot study was conducted at the Tampa Veterans Administration Patient Safety Center. The objective was to determine the forces required to operate retractable safety syringes to evaluate potential adverse occupational health and patient safety issues.

Methods: Four brands (100 each) of retractable syringes were tested, using a digital force gauge, in air and in a simulated patient material (SPM).