PARTICULATE MATTER FROM SYRINGES USED FOR INTRAVITREAL INJECTIONS.

OBJECTIVE Syringes containing anti-VEGF drugs to treat retinal diseases are prepared in different ways by various parties with syringe selection, preparation, and storage conditions impacting the risk of injecting particles into the vitreous. This study examines particle loads from various syringes over time. METHODS Four syringes were studied: two plastic transfer syringes lubricated with silicone oil or oleamide, a glass syringe with baked-on silicone, and a lubricant-free polymer syringe. Syringes were rinsed with water or filled with buffer and analyzed over time; particles were quantified by flow imaging. Particle formation in a bevacizumab formulation was also characterized. RESULTS Insulin syringes consistently showed very high particle counts. Oleamide-lubricated syringes had substantially fewer particles but showed appreciable increases over time (leading to visible particles). Baked-on silicone glass syringes and lubricant-free polymer syringes both showed low particle levels ≥ 10 microns. Lubricant-free syringes showed the lowest particle levels ≥ 1 micron and the lowest particle levels with bevacizumab agitation. CONCLUSIONS Syringes have different intrinsic particle loads which can contribute to particle loads in the delivered drug. Oleamide-lubricated transfer syringes, commonly used for bevacizumab repackaging, have time-dependent particle loads and are associated with the formation of visible particles beyond 30 days of storage.