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Frequently asked questions
BD model syringe
Is EMED aware of the change to the BD model 309653 syringe? What is being done
- Yes, EMED has received and analyzed BD’s August 2019 notices.
- Bench testing to verify accuracy and precision of our SCIg60 Infusion System remains unchanged after the update to the model 309653 syringe scale.
- Research and Development activities are underway to build long term solutions, including exploring opportunities for alternative compatible syringes.
- EMED is reaching out to distributors, partners, and key opinion leaders to ensure standard of care for the SCIg therapy is not compromised and patient needs are met.
- Please contact EMED Customer Service for additional updates at 916.932.0071.
What has changed with the BD model 30965?
- Being labeled and sold as a “50 ml” syringe
- Change impacts the graded scale marking only - the scale marking printed on the syringe will not extent beyond 50 ml.
- The physical internal volume will remain the same as it has been for years.
- The design, dimensions, and raw materials will remain the same.
Can the SCIg60™ Infuser be used with the BD model 309653 50 ml syringe?
Yes, BD model 309653 is still compatible with the SCIg60 Infusion system. Per the letter provided by BD dated August 26, 2019, there are no changes to device form, fit, function or raw material composition, and therefore , the new 50 ml BD® Syringe will maintain compatibility with any ancillary devices currently being used for either preparation or administration of medications (e.g., syringe pumps, robotic filling equipment, etc.).
Will the flow rates of the SCIg60™ change if the BD model 309653 filled with to 50 ml instead of 60 ml?
- The flow rates of the SCIg60 Infusion System with the BD model 309653 syringe remain within the expected tolerance range.
- Flow rate calculators and information provided in the SCIg60 Infusion System User Manual are still valid.
- Laboratory testing verifies that the SCIg60 Infusion System can accommodate both the 50 ml and 60 ml syringes as there was no modifications to volume, form, fit or function of the BD model 309653.
Will other 60 ml syringes work with the SCIg60™ Infuser?
EMED is continually working to adapt with market changes and provide our customers with optimal clinical solutions. Please contact EMED Customer Service for additional updates at 916.932.0071.
Is there a process to switch out syringes for patients infusing more then 50mls?
As the market continues to increase prescriptions for patients over 50ml, it is recommended that patients repeat the initial set up process referenced in the user manual. Patients can also refer to their health care provider for additional direction.
Is there any other subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) infusion system that is FDA-cleared for use with a different 60 ml syringe, such as the Sherwood Monoject 60 ml (8881-560125)?
No, all FDA-cleared infusion systems indicated for the subcutaneous infusion of immunoglobulins specify only the BD model 309653 syringe.
Soft-Glide Needle sets
Does needle sharpness vary from brand to brand?
Needle manufacturers have long debated about their respective needles. Generally, needle sharpness depends on multiple factors including needle design, gauge, wall thickness, materials and quality of manufacture.
What affects needle sharpness?
Needle sharpness is affected by the choice of the best materials, needle design, and manufacturing processes.
How important is the needle bevel in the sharpness of the needle?
The bevel of a needle is an important element that influences needle performance. Needle bevels are determined by the type, tip, length and number of bevels in a needle.
How can needle sharpness be measured?
Industry leaders such as Terumo and BD have long debated about the sharpness of their respective needles and have chosen to measure needle penetration force as the means to establish an objective basis for comparison. Specific protocols have been established to measure needle penetration force.
What are needles made out of?
Stainless Steel is generally accepted as the best material to manufacture needles.
Are there needle standards?
We have utilized protocols similar to those of the industry leaders to draw conclusions relative to the sharpness of the needles. The test protocol is based on ISO 7864:1993 and other Industry standards such as ASTM F3014-14.
What is the test protocol?
A standard method to measure penetration force is to utilize a vertical single axis machine to insert a needle into a membrane under repeatable conditions. The membrane should have characteristics similar to the skin of a patient. A precise digital force gauge is used to measure the penetration force dynamically and plot the results.
What are specific penetration force measurements?
EMED has selected its needle design parameters to optimize the patient experience. Its triple angular bevel aligns with the specific design characterized in ISO 7864:1993.
EMED’s Soft-Glide® needles have the lowest penetration force of the SUB-Q alternatives.
Can the angle of insertion have an effect on penetration force?
Insertion and removal techniques are important factors that determine patient experience.
If a needle is not inserted perpendicularly, the force required to insert the needle increases. Based on user feedback, it was noted that a 30° angle needle requires double the force to insert compared to a needle that is inserted at a 90° degree angle.
Does EMED perform ongoing testing?
As a measure of quality control, EMED tests needles on an ongoing basis to correlate production batches with baseline penetration data.
Are special tests performed?
EMED has conducted various penetration force test with regional and global needle manufacturers. In these studies Soft-Glide® needles have been shown to require the least amount of penetration force when compared to other needle sets (including needles from the global leader BD).
A new special test was conducted in August of 2017 to further update the data from previous tests. The results are shown in MM-057 under “Average Penetration Force During Insertion”.
Are there other factors in the overall patient experience when using needles?
In addition to the penetration force, which is the most objective measure of patient comfort, patients feel a subjective experience relative to the puncture of the needle through the skin.
The coating used in Soft-Glide® needles reduces friction of the needle not only during the puncture as well as during the sliding of the needle through the skin and when removing the needles after an infusion.
How does the puncture affect the patient?
Needles that do not have coating properties may create a dimple effect which could increase the patient’s perception of pain as well as the actual penetration force.
Adverse skin site reactions during therapy are the result of various factors. Lowering friction during needle insertion helps reduce tissue damage. That tissue damage can result in site adverse reactions such as redness, swelling and itching.
General
How do I place an order online?
You can place an online order under our "Orders" tab. If you are a current customer, be sure to include your EMED account number. If you are a new customer, please reach out to our team directly.
How do I contact EMED?
Visit our Contact page. You can call, email, use the chat feature, or send us a form.
When was EMED founded?
Established in 1991, EMED has worked with clinicians, inventors and medical companies to develop innovative medical technologies for over two decades. We develop medical products that redefine therapies and improve the lives of patients.
Where can I find EMED's product catalog?
Find our product catalog under Resources on our Support page.
Is EMED a public company?
EMED is a privately placed corporation that sees value in creating results for more than just shareholders. As a private company, EMED can better serve the needs of various stakeholders including patients, clinicians, distributors, pharmacies, and the community.
Does EMED design and manufucture only infusion products?
EMED has a strong focus on developing the best medical technology products regardless of different niches. Although most of our business is conducted in the subcutaneous infusion market, EMED invests in a wide range of health, digital, and essential medical technologies.
Troubleshooting
How do I know that the syringe is in the correct position?
Verify that the syringe is properly positioned into the infuser as instructed in the pump user manual. The syringe should be parallel to the infuser with the syringe flanges properly engaged and seen in the safety check window.
What do I do if the syringe comes out?
If the syringe 'pops out' of the infuser when inner drive is closed/screwed in, it is an indication that the syringe was not properly positioned in the infuser. Unscrew the inner drive and properly position the syringe following the instructions for use.
How do I make sure that the tubing connectors function properly?
Verify that the components are properly connected. The BD 60 ml syringe (model no. 309653) is properly connected to the flow rate control infusion set and is correctly connected to the patient needle set.
How do I get the flow going if there is no flow?
Check the flow rate control infusion set to make sure flow is not being blocked.
How do I decrease the flow rate?
Verify the correct flow rate control infusion set and patient needle set is being used.
How do I increase the flow rate?
Verify the correct flow rate control infusion set and patient needle set combination is being used.
How do I stop the flow?
Verify the flow rate control infusion set is appropriately closed.
We are here to help with all of your infusion needs. From a single product to the entire system, get support by phone, email, or chat.
Sponsors and Partners
NHIA is a trade association that represents companies that provide infusion therapy to patients in their homes, as well as companies that manufacture and supply infusion and specialty pharmacy products. The association’s mission is to provide advocacy, education, and resources to the home and specialty infusion community so the patients they serve can lead healthy, independent lives.
GBS|CIDP is a foundation that works to improve the quality of life of those affected by Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and related conditions through support, research, and advocacy.
The Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF), is the national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life of people affected by primary immunodeficiency through fostering a community empowered by advocacy, education, and research.
IgNS is a professional, patient-centric organization dedicated to the advancement of IG Therapy across cincial indications and areas of practice through extensive research and education.