Method Of Reducing Friction Between Syringe Components

Abstract

A method of making a syringe assembly includes providing a first syringe component defining a first sliding surface that is substantially free of lubricant. The first sliding surface is contacted with water. The first sliding surface and the water in contact with the first sliding surface are heated at a temperature of at least 121° C. The first sliding surface is dried.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of treating a syringe assembly comprising:
 providing a glass barrel having a glass sliding surface for sliding engagement with a complementary component of a syringe assembly;   applying saturated steam to heat the glass sliding surface;   maintaining the saturated steam at a temperature at or above 120° C. for at least 60 minutes; and   drying the glass sliding surface,   wherein a friction force of the glass sliding surface is reduced.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the glass sliding surface is an interior surface of the glass barrel. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the glass sliding surface is substantially free of silicone oil. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the method is achieved within a sterilization cycle. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the glass sliding surface is dried at about 90° C. or greater. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , comprising rinsing the glass sliding surface with an organic solvent. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the complementary component is a syringe stopper or a syringe tip cap. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the glass barrel contains therein water for injection. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , comprising removing the water for injection prior to the drying. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , comprising placing the barrel into an autoclave prior to the application of saturated steam.