Français
English
Filters
The filtration stage consists in eliminating certain unwanted elements from the mixture to be injected, thereby reducing the risks associated with injections.
The 3 membrane filters developed by Apothicom can be attached directly to the syringe for simple, rapid filtration.
Comparison of membrane filters
Sterifilt BASIC
Diameter : 10 mm
Eliminates :
- Insoluble particles
Suitable for : Powders
Compatibility :
- Luer Slip syringes without needle
- 1 ml fixed needle syringes
Sterifilt FAST
Diameter : 15 mm
Eliminates :
- Insoluble particles
Suitable for : Viscous / thick products (crushed pills)
Compatibility :
- Luer Slip syringes without needle
- 1 ml fixed needle syringes
Sterifilt+
Diameter : 15 mm
Eliminates :
- Insoluble particles
- Bacteria + Fungi
Suitable for : All types of products
Compatibility :
- Luer Slip syringes without needle
- 1 ml fixed needle syringes
What are insoluble particles?
Insoluble particles are solid substances found in almost all preparations injected by people who inject drugs. Based on the type of product to be injected, insoluble particles such as talc and starch are found in:
- cutting agents from street drugs;
- medication excipients – which are substances formulated alongside the active ingredient and used to enhance its form, colour, texture, etc. –, originally intended for oral use, such as buprenorphine or morphine sulphate microgranules.
Complications associated with the injection of insoluble particles
Insoluble particles remain solid in liquids such as water and blood, and can cause complications when intravenously injected on a regular basis. Soluble cutting agents and medication excipients cannot be eliminated.
Accumulation in the capillaries
In people who inject drugs, the average size of insoluble particles that have been observed to cause complications is between 9 µm and 23 µm (microns).
They accumulate in the capillaries, obstructing blood flow and building up in the organs. In the long term, this accumulation can alter the function of these organs, which include the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, brain, and eyes. The accumulation of these insoluble particles in the pulmonary capillaries can disrupt the gas exchange process that allows for the oxygenation of tissues and cells in the body. This can lead to various complications, from chest tightness to serious cardiopulmonary disorders.
Increased risk of bacterial infections
Insoluble particles also cause micro-lesions in the blood vessels surrounding the injection site, such as phlebitis and thrombophlebitis. These lesions allow bacteria to enter and take hold. The injection of these particles can therefore result in or contribute to the development of bacterial infections such as abscesses.
This same mechanism can also affect the heart valves. These valves, located at the junction of the heart, are susceptible to these particles and risk infection, potentially leading to infective endocarditis, which can prove fatal.
Lastly, as these insoluble particles are "foreign bodies", they can cause a reaction known as "cotton fever", with symptoms including intense pain and fever that can last for several hours.
Filtration is the only effective means of reducing these risks.
Risk of infection and antibacterial filtration
Injections can allow living microorganisms, bacteria, and fungi to enter the body.
Sources of bacterial contamination in the mixture
The contamination can originate from the mixture to be injected and several other sources:
- the hands of the person preparing the product (Staphylococcus aureus is the most frequently found bacterium) or their mouth if the needle is licked before injecting (Streptococcus) – this is the most common source;
- the use of non-sterile preparation tools;
- the dissolution of the product in non-sterile water;
- the consumption of contaminated drugs (Clostridium, Bacillus anthracis) – this is the least common cause of infection, although these infections can be serious.
Risks related to the injection of bacteria
Following an injection, bacteria and fungi can cause abscesses and infections at varying depths beneath the skin and within the surrounding tissues.
Much like insoluble particles, they can also migrate through the bloodstream.
When these bacteria are left to grow unchecked, they can affect various organs (sepsis) and cause potentially serious infections, notably within the heart, lungs, brain, and bones. The most frequently implicated bacteria are Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Even if these bacteria do not survive, they can continue to secrete the endotoxins responsible for cotton fever.
Antibacterial filters, such as Sterifilt+, are the only filters that make it possible to avoid the risk of these infections.