Abstract:
A method is disclosed in which a vapor-deposited coating or layer is directly or indirectly applied to at least a portion of the internal wall of the barrel of a capped pre-assembly comprising a barrel, a dispensing portion, and a shield. The shield is secured to the barrel and at least substantially isolates the distal opening of the dispensing portion from pressure conditions outside the shield. A vapor-deposited coating or layer is applied directly or indirectly to at least a portion of the internal wall of the barrel while the pre-assembly is capped. The coating or layer is applied under conditions effective to maintain communication between the barrel lumen and the dispensing portion lumen via the proximal opening at the end of the applying step. The capped pre-assembly can be pressure tested easily and rapidly, for example with a test duration between 1 and 60 seconds, to determine whether it has container closure integrity.
Abstract:
Processing an evacuated blood sample collection tube or other vessel by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition to apply a tie coating or layer (289), a barrier coating or layer (288), and optionally one or more additional coatings or layers. The tie coating or layer of SiOxCy is applied under partial vacuum and, while maintaining the partial vacuum unbroken in the lumen, the barrier coating or layer is applied. Then optionally, while maintaining the partial vacuum unbroken in the lumen, a pH protective coating or layer of SiOxCy can be applied. As a result of this processing, a coated vessel is produced having a lower gas permeation rate constant into the lumen than a corresponding vessel made by the same process except breaking the partial vacuum in the lumen between applying the tie coating or layer and applying the barrier coating or layer. Retention features are also described for keeping the vessels stoppered during exposure to reduced ambient pressure.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for plasma modifying a workpiece such as a medical barrel, medical barrel, vial, or blood tube is described. Plasma is provided within the lumen of the workpiece. The plasma is provided under conditions effective for plasma modification of a surface of the workpiece. A magnetic field is provided in at least a portion of the lumen. The magnetic field has an orientation and field strength effective to improve the uniformity of plasma modification of the generally cylindrical interior surface 16 of the generally cylindrical interior surface 16.