Analysing the Physical Properties of a First Aid Kit

Texture Analysers play a large role in the quality control process of the pharmaceutical industry. 

The mechanical properties of all products must be uniform between batches or customer loyalty will decline. This blog post outlines some typical measurements that may be made on the contents of a first aid kit.

Adhesive plasters are often bought as a continuous strip that can be cut to the length needed by the consumer. A measurement on the 180° Peel Test Rig can determine the comparative peeling or stripping characteristics of adhesive bonds, essential for the application of adhesive bandages. Wound dressings and adhesive strips are required to have qualities such as 'low-tack' or moisture-resistance. The plaster’s adhesive properties as are important as the selection of the strip material and surface.
A soft dressing and microporous tape are sometimes used instead of plasters on larger cuts and scrapes. The adhesive properties of medical tape are measured effectively with a domical probe through a multi-hole indexing system. The optimum adhesiveness is a compromise between pulling uncomfortably at the skin and a dressing that will come off as soon as it gets wet.

Tensile Grips; Film Support Rig HDP/FSR; 180° Peel Test Rig A/AB

Crepe rolled bandages are often used to provide support for sprains and to hold dressings in place. Their compliance and tensile strength can be measured with a quick and simple tensile test. Likewise, Latex gloves are an essential component of any first aid kit. They provide protection for both the first aid administrator and patient and so it is important that they are strong and tough. These properties can be measured simply using a puncture test in the Film Support Rig, with a glove sample stretched over an aperture and punctured. In particular, the susceptibility of the bandage and glove component polymers to ageing in particular storage conditions can be monitored using accelerated ageing in a humid or high temperature environment followed by their mechanical tests. This is an important consideration for a first aid kit as they are often left stored for a long time before the contents are needed in an emergency. Accurate expiry dates help the owner to keep stock and replace items when necessary.

Insect bites can be a source of great discomfort. The first solution often reached for is antihistamine cream. One important aspect of a cream’s behaviour is the expulsion force from its tube. The Sachet/Tube Extrusion Rig provides an effective form of imitative testing. The rig positions the product vertically between two rollers, clamping the closed end with a grip at the top. The grip then pulls the sachet/tube upwards through the rollers, forcing the contents out whilst measuring the force required. Product developers can analyse changes in a product’s consistency throughout its shelf-life and adapt formulations accordingly whilst also enabling manufacturers to assess the suitability of packaging material and its construction. 

Mini 3 Point Bend Rig HDP/M3PB; Sachet/Tube Extrusion Rig A/STE; Tablet Strength Test P/6 - P/50

Finally, no first aid kit would be complete without painkillers. For example, paracetamol is often made with a line scored down the centre to enable the tablet to be split in two by snapping between the fingers. This bending mechanism can be difficult to achieve on a small tablet if the bending strength is too high, particularly for the elderly. This property can be measured using a Mini Three Point Bend Rig in a fast test as part of any quality control process.

To find out more about Texture Analysis of pharmaceutical products, contact Stable Micro Systems today.

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For more information on how to measure texture, please visit the Texture Analysis Properties section on our website.

The TA.XTplus texture analyser is part of a family of texture analysis instruments and equipment from Stable Micro Systems. An extensive portfolio of specialist attachments is available to measure and analyse the textural properties of a huge range of food products. Our technical experts can also custom design instrument fixtures according to individual specifications.

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