Fluid handling in the pharmaceutical industry is a very broad term. It could refer to the tubing of an IV drip or just to the spray bottle that holds your nasal allergy medicine. But no matter what the container holds, it needs to be sterile and keep its contents safe from outside contaminants. Learn how fluid handling plastic is helping to keep everyday pharmaceuticals even safer.
Which Varieties Of Plastic Can Be Used As Fluid Handling Plastic?
Generally, plastics like acrylic and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are used for fluid handling applications within the pharmaceutical industry. HDPE, in particular, is often used to make medicine bottles since it's a thermoplastic, meaning it can be molded into any shape necessary.
What Are Fluid Handling Plastics Used For?
Pharmaceutical grade plastic plays a vital role in keeping our medicine safe for use. This type of fluid handling plastic needs to stand up to the sterilization process, defend against UV and water damage and not react with the chemicals inside it. The following are common places to find pharmaceutical grade plastics. Some of them are probably in your medicine cabinet!
- Dropper bottles (eye drops)
- Spray bottles (nasal spray)
- Liquid bottles (cough syrup)
- Oral care bottles (mouthwash)
- Solid containers (liquid gel capsules)
In addition to pharmaceutical plastic bottles and vials, plastic is used in a variety of other ways within the medical field. Any tubing used in a hospital, whether it's for dialysis or an IV, is generally designed for one-time use to prevent contamination, which is why plastic is relied upon so heavily. Plastic is also a material that won't corrode or react with chemicals. Even if it's used multiple times, it will last as long as it's needed.
Benefits Of Fluid Handling Plastic
Whether it's tubing or plastic packaging material, pharmaceutical industry experts know they can count on fluid handling plastic to deliver medicine safely to the people who need it. Here are some of its key benefits:
- Chemical compatibility: impervious to any medicines or fluids it may come in contact with.
- Nontoxic: safe to consume medicines from.
- Biological resistance: not affected by bacteria, fungi or pests.
- Sterilization: can be sterilized with radiation or with boiling water and remain unaffected.
Learn More About The Versatility Of Plastic With A&C Plastics
You can find the materials for fluid handling plastic products and so much more at A&C Plastics. Educate yourself on all things plastic in our information center and browse our product categories to find just what you need to get your job done.
