Squeeze Force Tester Measures Ophthalmic Bottle Properties

When testing plastic bottles used for medication, such factors as the rigidity of the plastic, length of the nib, viscosity of the medication, and the dimensions of the bottle influence the amount of force needed to properly administer the medication. India-based Hemetek Techno Instruments developed a squeeze force tester for testing plastic ophthalmic bottles. The tester was developed for an Indian manufacturer of ophthalmic squeeze dispensers to test the squeezability of its plastic bottles. The manufacturer wanted to determine the force required to deliver the first drop from single-dose bottles as well as the force required to deliver subsequent drops. Using the Chatillon squeeze force tester, the manufacturer was able to determine the finger strength needed to squeeze different bottle designs made from a variety of plastic materials. The tests were performed at 90 degrees to simulate assisted administration of the drop and at 45 degrees to simulate self-administration by the patient.

The squeeze force testing system uses a digital Chatillon DFS II force gauge manufactured by AMETEK Test & Calibration Instruments.