Needle-Trap –a labeling product featuring a safety mechanism integrated as a component of the self-adhesive syringe label – was recognized by the Scottish Business Awards as “Product of the Year” at an event featuring former President Bill Clinton as keynote speaker. 
 
A product of pharmaceutical labeling product provider Schreiner MediPharm, Needle-Trap was nominated by Scotland-based FLEXcon, which specializes in film products and developed a material that meets the high demands made on pharmaceutical labels. The Needle-Trap syringe label combines an injection-molded part with a film, and serves to reliably protect the needles of prefilled syringes after injection. A film by FLEXcon is used for this unique “two-in-one” principle.
 
“With our product we’re offering Schreiner MediPharm a customized solution that is tailored exactly to meet the needs of the application,” says Lee Macnamara, application development and marketing director for FLEXcon Europe.The experts from FLEXcon, together with Schreiner MediPharm, selected the material, surface coating, adhesive and liner material according to the requirements of this special application.
 
Due to its use on clear containers, visual clarity is a crucial aspect of the film. Contents must be visible after the label’s application, and only medications in appropriate condition are administered. The label’s surface properties are designed to make the material suitable for conventional printing and subsequent variable marking techniques. A high tack force ensures reliable adhesion to glass syringes and the needle-trap catcher, which is composed of plastic.
 
“Needle-Trap can be adapted to all commonly used syringe dimensions. Due to the simple design, the specialty labels can be easily processed on conventional labeling equipment,” says Gene Dul, president of Schreiner MediPharm US. The syringe label meets the requirements of the regulatory authorities for safety and quality, including the new EU Directive 2010/32/EU, and has been awarded 510(k) certification by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for marketing in the United States. 
 
According to Schreiner MediPharm, Needle-Trap is easy to handle by medical staff. The user simply has to bend the needle trap that is integrated in the label towards the side before performing the injection. The system is activated by using one hand, and handling of the syringe remains unchanged. The process of securing the needle after the injection is one-hundred-percent controllable and, contrary to some automatic passive activation mechanisms, occurs without patient contact.
 
Additionally, functionalities such as graduations or counterfeit protection features may be integrated into the label. Furthermore, Needle-Trap allows reliable documentation of injections that have been performed. For this purpose, the label is equipped with optional detachable label parts which healthcare personnel apply directly to the patient’s medical file or vaccination card.