SYRINGE APPARATUS AND SYRINGE ADAPTER DEVICE

Abstract

A syringe apparatus (10) is provided which comprises a syringe portion having a syringe (12) or holder (24) adapted to receive a syringe (12) therein, the syringe portion having a rear grip (38) for seating in or against a user's hand and a front grip (40) formed at or adjacent to a tip end (22) of the syringe portion; and a movable member (30) engagable with a plunger (16) of the said syringe (12), the movable member (30) having a finger grip (32) at or adjacent to a tip end (22) thereof, the movable member (30) being engaged with the syringe portion and configured to move relative to the rear grip when a user applies a force at the finger grip (32); wherein the front and rear grips (40, 38) are formed as lateral projections (40a, 40b; 38a, 38b) with respect to the movable member (30).

Claims

1. A syringe apparatus comprising: a syringe portion having a syringe or holder adapted to receive a syringe therein, the syringe portion having a rear grip for seating in or against a user's hand and a front grip formed at or adjacent to a tip end of the syringe portion; and a movable member engagable engageable with a plunger of the syringe, the movable member having a finger grip at or adjacent to a tip end of the movable member, the movable member being engaged with the syringe portion and configured to move relative to the rear grip when a user applies a force at the finger grip; wherein the front grip and the rear grips are formed as lateral projections with respect to the movable member.

2. The syringe apparatus of claim 1, wherein the movable member is slidably engageable with the syringe portion.

3. The syringe apparatus of claim 1, wherein the movable member is at least in part receivable in a longitudinal channel of the syringe portion.

4. The syringe apparatus of claim 3, wherein the movable member comprises an elongate spine at least in part receivable in the longitudinal channel which interconnects the finger grip with the plunger.

5. The syringe apparatus of claim 4, wherein the finger grip has a width greater than a width of the longitudinal channel.

6. The syringe apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rear grip comprises at least one lateral flange palm grip.

7. The syringe apparatus of claim 6, wherein the rear grip further comprises a second lateral flange palm opposed to the at least one lateral flange palm grip.

8. The syringe apparatus of claim 6 wherein the at least one lateral flange palm grip has a contoured profile.

9. The syringe apparatus of claim 1, wherein the front grip has a lateral extent which is less than or equal to a lateral extent of the rear grip.

10. The syringe apparatus of claim 1, wherein the front grip is angularly oriented to the rear grip.

11. The syringe apparatus of claim 1, wherein the syringe portion comprises a syringe holder, and the movable member is engaged with the syringe holder opposite to a syringe-receiving aperture of the syringe holder.

12. The syringe apparatus of claim 1, wherein the syringe portion comprises a syringe holder, and the movable member is engaged with the syringe holder adjacent to a syringe-receiving aperture of the syringe holder.

13. The syringe apparatus of claim 1, wherein the movable member includes a plunger-connector for receivably coupling to the plunger.

14. The syringe apparatus of claim 13, wherein the plunger-connector comprises a cap receivable around a plunger top of the syringe.

15. The syringe apparatus of claim 13, wherein the plunger-connector comprises a stop abuttably engageable with the syringe holder to limit travel of the engaged plunger.

16. The syringe apparatus of claim 1, wherein the syringe portion comprises a stop at or adjacent to the tip end of the syringe portion.

17. (canceled)

18. The syringe apparatus of claim 1, wherein the syringe portion is a syringe, and the movable member is integrally formed with a syringe body of the syringe.

19. The syringe apparatus of claim 1, wherein the movable member is integrally formed with the plunger.

20. The syringe apparatus of claim 1, wherein the syringe apparatus has a form of a syringe adapter device engageable with a syringe.

21. The syringe apparatus of claim 20, further comprising: a syringe having a syringe body and a plunger receivable in the syringe body, wherein the syringe adapter device is engageable with the syringe, and wherein engaging the syringe with the syringe adapter device allows a user to operate the syringe apparatus with one hand.

22. (canceled)

Description

[0051] The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0052] FIG. 1 shows an isometric representation of a first embodiment of a syringe apparatus in accordance with the second aspect of the invention, comprising a syringe inserted into a syringe adapter in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

[0053] FIG. 2 shows a plan view from below of the syringe apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0054] FIG. 3 shows a plan view from above of the syringe apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0055] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the syringe apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0056] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the syringe and syringe adapter of FIG. 1;

[0057] FIG. 6 shows an isometric representation of the syringe apparatus of FIG. 1, with the plunger of the syringe in a retracted condition;

[0058] FIG. 7 shows a side perspective representation of the syringe apparatus of FIG. 1 in an in use condition;

[0059] FIG. 8 shows a perspective representation of a second embodiment of a syringe apparatus in accordance with the second aspect of the invention, comprising a syringe inserted into a syringe adapter in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

[0060] FIG. 9 shows a side perspective representation of the syringe apparatus of FIG. 8, in a retracted condition;

[0061] FIG. 10A shows a perspective representation of a third embodiment of a syringe apparatus in accordance with the second aspect of the invention, comprising a syringe inserted into a syringe adapter in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

[0062] FIG. 10B shows a perspective representation of the syringe apparatus of FIG. 10A, in a retracted condition;

[0063] FIG. 11A shows an isometric representation of a fourth embodiment of a movable member of a syringe adapter in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

[0064] FIG. 11B shows an isometric representation of a fifth embodiment of a movable member of a syringe adapter in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

[0065] FIG. 11C shows an isometric representation of a sixth embodiment of a movable member of a syringe adapter in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

[0066] FIG. 11D shows an isometric representation of a seventh embodiment of a movable member of a syringe adapter in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

[0067] FIG. 11E shows an isometric representation of an eighth embodiment of a movable member of a syringe adapter in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; and

[0068] FIG. 11F shows an isometric representation of a ninth embodiment of a movable member of a syringe adapter in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, there is indicated a syringe apparatus, referenced globally at 10, and which is suited for taking blood samples from a patient using only one hand. The syringe apparatus 10 comprises two releasably engagable parts: a syringe 12, such as the plastic Luer-type syringes well-known in the art; and a syringe adapter device 14 which allows the syringe 12 to be held with one hand whilst also allowing the retraction of the plunger 16 of the syringe 12 with the same hand.

[0070] The syringe adapter device 14 is dimensioned to receive a syringe 12 of standard dimensions. Commonly used plastic syringes have volumes of 1 ml, 2.5 ml, 5 ml, 10 ml, and 25 ml, with the 10 ml volume being most commonly used in medical practice for taking blood samples.

[0071] It will be appreciated that whilst the indicative embodiments of the invention are shown as releasably engagable syringes and adapter devices, an integrally formed syringe apparatus could be provided in which the adapter device was inbuilt to the syringe.

[0072] The syringe 12 has a syringe body 18 within which the plunger 16 is receivable, and actuation of the plunger 16 with respect to the syringe body 18 changes the internal volume of the syringe 12 to either expel the contents of the syringe 12 through the syringe outlet 20 at a tip end 22 thereof, or alternatively draw matter into the syringe body 18 on retraction of the plunger 16. This is the context in which the syringe apparatus 10 might be used for taking blood samples.

[0073] The syringe adapter device 14 comprises a syringe holder 24 which has a syringe receiver 26 on one side thereof within which the syringe 12 is insertable. For the syringe adapter device 14, it will be appreciated that the syringe holder forms a syringe portion of the apparatus 10, that is, the area in which the syringe 12 can be located. For the embodiment of the invention described in more detail below, the syringe portion would be the syringe body 18 of the syringe.

[0074] The engagement between the syringe 12 and the syringe adapter device 14 is indicated in FIG. 5. The syringe holder 24 includes an elongate channel 28 extending along the length thereof, which is adapted to receive a movable member 30 therein. The movable member 30 includes a finger grip 32 at the tip end 22 of the syringe holder 24, and a plunger-connector 34 engagable with the plunger 16 of the syringe 12. The finger grip 32 is here formed as a slider tab having a nub 36 thereon to improve grip.

[0075] The syringe holder 24 includes a rear grip 38 which is receivable within the user's hand in use and which the user's palm abuts. Here, the rear grip 38 is provided as a pair of lateral palm grip portions 38a, 38b which oppose one another, having a contoured or curved upper edge for comfort. A single rear grip element may be provided, but the opposed flange portions ensure that the syringe adapter device 14 can be used with either hand with ease.

[0076] Lateral here refers to the fact that that, not only do the palm grip portions 38a, 38b extend in a direction which is perpendicular to the axis of motion of the plunger 16, but also that the palm grip portions 38a, 38b extend in a direction perpendicular to the side on which the finger grip 32 of the movable member 30 is positioned.

[0077] At or adjacent to the tip end 22 of the syringe holder 24 is a front grip 40 which is designed for engagement with a user's finger or thumb, providing forward stabilisation close to the needle point of the syringe 12. The front grip 40 may also be provided as one or more lateral projections, forming right- and/or left-hand front grips 40a, 40b, which are preferably angularly oriented to the lateral palm grip portions 38a, 38b of the rear grip 38. For comfort, the front grip 40 may have a width that is less than or equal to that of the rear grip 38. This orientation of the respective flange portions may simplify the manufacture of the syringe holder 24, for example, if created by injection moulding.

[0078] Again, lateral here refers to the fact that that, not only do the front grip portions 40a, 40b extend in a direction which is perpendicular to the axis of motion of the plunger 16, but also that the front grip portions 40a, 40b extend in a direction perpendicular to the side on which the finger grip 32 of the movable member 30 is positioned.

[0079] This achieves the arrangement of the front and rear grip portions 40a, 40b, 38a, 38b which permits the pencil grip. The front and rear grip portions 40a, 40b, 38a, 38b thus all intersect a nominal horizontal in-use plane of the syringe apparatus 10, which then by extension positions the finger grip 32 of the movable member 30 on a top surface of the syringe apparatus 10.

[0080] FIG. 2 shows one method of ensuring engagement between the syringe 12 and the syringe adapter device 14. The syringe receiver 26 may be dimensioned to be tight fit to the diameter of the syringe 12, but may also comprise a flange receiver 42 into which a barrel flange 44 of the syringe 12 can be inserted. The flange receiver 42 may be housed in the rear grip 38 for structural stability.

[0081] The movable member 30 is an elongate member, having an elongate spine 46 which is dimensioned to fill or substantially fill the elongate channel 28 of the syringe holder 24 in a compact condition, that is, where the plunger 16 is fully received within the syringe body 18. In the embodiment shown, the plunger-connector 34 is formed as a cap 48 which is receivable about the plunger top 50 of the syringe 12, and a complementarily-shaped recess 52 may be provided in the cap 48 which accommodates both the neck 54 and plunger top 50. The cap 48 itself is preferably designed to envelop the perimeter of the plunger top 50, thereby holding it securely in place. This provides lateral security, so that the plunger 16 does not dislocate from the plunger-connector 34 in use, but also axial securing is or can be provided, to ensure that there is no lag between the movement of the movable member 30 and plunger 16.

[0082] As is best seen in FIG. 3, the interface between the plunger-connector 34 and the elongate spine 46 may form a stop 56 which is abuttably engagable with a plunger end 58 of the syringe holder 24 to prevent overextension of the plunger 16 into the syringe body 18. This may also advantageously result in the finger grip 32 meeting the tip end 22 of the syringe holder 24 flushly in the contracted condition.

[0083] The finger grip 32 itself may be dimensioned to overhang the elongate channel 28 on at least one, and preferably both, lateral directions thereof. This may improve the comfort of the use of the finger grip 32, since the user cannot get any part of their finger stuck in the elongate channel 28.

[0084] To engage the syringe 12 with the syringe adapter device 14, the syringe 12 needs to be placed into the syringe receiver 26, with the plunger top 50 being engaged with the plunger-connector 34. Stability of the syringe apparatus 10 may be improved if the syringe outlet 20 is positioned so as to be proximal to the syringe holder 24, as can be seen in FIG. 5.

[0085] Once engaged, the finger grip 32 can be used to withdraw the plunger 16, as can be seen indicated by the motion arrow of FIG. 6. Since the finger grip 32 and plunger-connector 34 are interconnected by the elongate spine 46, actuation of the finger grip 32 will urge the plunger-connector 34 simultaneously. This allows the drawing up of a sample, such as a blood sample during an exsanguination procedure, into the syringe body 18 to be effected simple using a one-handed motion of the user.

[0086] The user grip can be seen in FIG. 7. The user here holds the syringe apparatus 10 in their right hand 60. The right-hand lateral flange portion 38 of the rear grip 38 is received in the user's hand 60 so as to abut the palm 62. The dimensions of the syringe holder 24 are such that the user's finger 64a can comfortably reach the distal finger grip 32 when the rear grip 38 is abuttably engaged with the user's palm 62, as the finger grip 32 is on an upper surface of the syringe apparatus 10 when the syringe apparatus 10 is held in this manner.

[0087] The shape of the syringe adapter device 14 is such that the index finger 64a will sit naturally on the finger grip 64a. The middle finger 64b can then be used as a stabiliser, either pressing on or hooking around the right-hand lateral front grip 40a, with the thumb 64c buttressing the left-hand lateral front grip 40b, as well as the syringe body 18 from below. It will be apparent to the skilled reader that the grip configuration will be reversed for the left-handed grip.

[0088] This creates a pencil or pincer grip. To take blood, the user holds the syringe apparatus 10 in one hand, and can then retract the index finger 64a so that the finger grip 32 slides the plunger 16 into the retracted condition.

[0089] Stabilisation of the front grip 40 using the thumb 64c and middle finger 64b will ensure minimal disruption of the needlepoint position when a needle is attached to the syringe, leading to a significant reduction in damage to the patient, particularly to their blood vessels such as veins, during exsanguination.

[0090] Extensive testing as to the stability improvements provided by the syringe adapter device 18 have been conducted.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE

[0091] For the comparative study, a 10 ml syringe (BD® Biosciences, 1030 Eskdale Road, Winnersh Triangle, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 5TS, United Kingdom) was utilised for a test exsanguination process, using a 21 gauge needle (BD® Biosciences) on a standard phlebotomy training arm (Muttiy Inc., (bangongchangsuo) 9002shi, Shangtangsongzaiyuan, 2qu, 51dong, Minzhijiedao, Baoanqu, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518131, People's Republic of China), filled with cranberry juice to simulate blood.

[0092] Stability was measured with a Landtek VM6370 High Vibration Meter (Guangzhou Landtek Instrument Co., Ltd, Block C, Kengkou Electronic Base, No. 9 Huaxi Road, Fang Village. Guangzhou, Guangdong 510380, People's republic of China) which measured acceleration, velocity, and displacement of the syringe outlet 20. Connection between the vibration meter and sensor was made with a 15 cm cable provided by the manufacturer. A bespoke adapter for the vibration sensor was 3D printed and attached to the end of the syringe 12 and used for the duration of the experiment which kept the sensor in a fixed and stationary position while the syringe 12 was in use.

[0093] The aim of the experiment was to demonstrate that the use of the syringe adapter device 14 improved stability while taking blood, as well as having the syringe 12 in an easier manual configuration than is traditionally used, that is, with a one-handed configuration rather than a two-handed one. With the vibration meter connected to the syringe 12, the user would insert the needle into e vein site on the phlebotomy arm, after which the vibration meter was set to ‘Hold’. This enabled the highest reading for each monitored variable to be read whilst measurements continued to be taken and recorded.

[0094] After flashback of the simulation blood was seen, the plunger 16 of the syringe 12 was pulled back. Throughout the duration of the drawing of the plunger 16, the highest values for acceleration, velocity and displacement were monitored and recorded. Approximately 5 ml of fluid was drawn into the syringe 12 simulating the typical amount used in a clinical situation for full blood count (FBC) and urea and electrolyte (U&E) testing.

[0095] Thirteen trials were conducted for each of the three syringe configurations used: 1) a syringe 12 with no adapter, using two hands; 2) a modified syringe apparatus as described above, in which the front grip 40 was omitted; and 3) a syringe apparatus as described above, inclusive of the front grip 40.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Velocity Acceleration Displacement Control (mm/s) (mm/s.sup.2) (mm) 3.33 0.47 0.272 2.5 1 0.37 3.23 0.1 0.177 3.29 0.1 0.179 3.01 1.4 0.283 3.51 1.3 0.204 4.66 0.4 0.436 3.91 1.3 0.197 4.35 0 0.072 3.11 6.9 0.139 2.76 1.7 0.179 3.07 0.5 0.148 5.23 5.3 0.57 3.21 8.8 0.297 Average 3.782 2.251 0.271 Standard 0.764 2.799 0.133 Deviation

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Syringe Velocity Acceleration Displacement Apparatus 1 (mm/s) (mm/s.sup.2) (mm) 3.99 0.1 0.079 3.89 0.1 0.098 2.11 1.1 0.078 2.69 0.1 0.162 2.2 0.1 0.184 2.95 4.8 0.28 2.25 0.4 0.136 1.81 0 0.133 2.89 4 0.546 2.61 1.2 0.338 2.77 0.3 0.261 2.46 0.2 0.305 2.25 0.4 0.318 2.98 0.3 0.131 Average 2.912 1.008 0.235 Standard 0.628 1.519 0.131 Deviation

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Syringe Velocity Acceleration Displacement Apparatus 2 (mm/s) (mm/s.sup.2) (mm) 1.59 0.2 0.169 3.15 1.3 0.133 1.57 0.2 0.115 1.43 0.3 0.186 1.33 0 0.037 1.55 2.3 0.185 2.59 2.3 0.103 2.03 0.6 0.133 1.19 0.8 0.117 2.13 0.4 0.131 1.13 0 0.123 2.23 1.7 0.161 1.75 0.6 0.111 1.66 0.3 0.133 Average 1.948 0.846 0.141 Standard 0.565 0.799 0.038 Deviation

Results

[0096] Subjective results from testing with the syringe apparatuses 1 and 2 (respectively that without the front grip, and that described above and shown in FIGS. 1 to 7) have been very positive. Most users remark on the ease of use with one hand and the simplicity of the finger motion to enable drawing of the plunger 16 back compared to normal two-handed syringe usage. Additionally, the one-handed configuration enables an enhanced grip on the syringe 12 that is sometimes lost with a two-handed configuration when wetness or moisture is present depending on the clinical situation.

[0097] Most users also commented on the added stability that a one-handed configuration provides, not simply because the syringe apparatus 10 does not rely on two hands to activate the syringe adapter device 14 with the increased tension needed to operate it, but also that in certain situations where patients may have a resting tremor, having the non-dominant had at or near the venepuncture site also greatly facilitates stability.

[0098] Objective data obtained from an experienced user comparing the three configurations confirmed these subjective results, as outlined above. Velocity decreased for the first syringe apparatus when compared with the control syringe (3.78 mm/s versus 2.91 mm/s). This demonstrates the improvements achievable with the use of the ‘pincer’ grip that is afforded by the present invention.

[0099] Velocity further decreased for the second syringe apparatus 10 when compared with the first syringe apparatus (2.91 mm/s versus 1.94 mm/s) that allows for the use of a ‘trigger’ grip, in which the middle finger 64b hooks over the front grip 40 to hold back the syringe adapter device 14 and urge the rear grip 38 into the palm 62 of the user.

[0100] The velocity improvement for the enhanced syringe apparatus 10 showed a statistically significant deviation, such that the standard deviation bars for the control versus the second syringe apparatus 10 did not overlap.

[0101] Measurement of displacement followed a similar trend. The first syringe apparatus showed an improvement, that is, reduced displacement, over the control (0.234 mm versus 0.363 mm), and a further improvement between the second syringe apparatus 10 and the first syringe apparatus (0.141 mm versus 0.234 mm). Once again, there was no overlap between the standard deviation bars of the second syringe apparatus 10 and the control.

[0102] Statistical t-test analysis of the above study revealed that for velocity testing, all values were significantly different (t<0.05). For displacement testing, there was no statistically significant different in displacement between the first syringe apparatus and control (t=0.556), but a statistically significant difference was seen between the second syringe apparatus 10 and both the first syringe apparatus and control.

[0103] As such, not only does the one-handed syringe arrangement significantly improve stabilisation of the syringe apparatus 10 by reducing any velocity action at the needle point, but with the inclusion of the front grips, also demonstrably reduces displacement, limiting the risk of tearing of the patient's skin or blood vessels.

FURTHER EMBODIMENTS

[0104] Other versions of the syringe apparatus could, however, be considered. A second embodiment of the syringe apparatus is indicated globally at 110 in FIGS. 8 and 9. Identical or similar components to those of the first embodiment will be referenced using identical or similar reference numerals, and further detailed description will be omitted for brevity.

[0105] In this embodiment, designed for the same syringe 12, the syringe adapter device 114 comprises a syringe receiver 126 which is positioned on the side of the syringe holder 124, thereby allowing a different means of entry for the syringe 12 therein.

[0106] The movable member 130 may therefore be exposed at or adjacent to the syringe receiver 126, and therefore the elongate spine 144 may not necessarily run in a longitudinal channel.

[0107] To ensure that the movable member 130 and syringe holder 124 do not dislocate from one another, the movable member 130 may be keyed to, or otherwise engaged with the syringe holder 124, to ensure that a smooth plunger 16 motion can be achieved.

[0108] Instead of the nub of the previous embodiment, the finger grip 132 may be formed so as to have a contoured and/or ergonomic portion 136 suited to receiving the tip of a user's index finger.

[0109] Since the syringe receiver 126 is positioned to one side of the syringe holder 124, the syringe apparatus 110 can no longer be used ambidextrously, and a rear grip 138 is only positioned on one side of the syringe holder 124. It will be apparent that a mirror-image syringe apparatus could be provided for left-hand operation.

[0110] The syringe holder 124 may have a forward stop 166, at or adjacent to the tip end 22 of the syringe 12, which may limit travel of the movable member 130 beyond the front of the syringe holder 124. A similar rear stop 168 may be provided at the opposite end of the syringe holder 124, which is engagable with the plunger-connector 134 of the movable member 130. This could be formed as an inner shoulder which slots into the cap 148 of the plunger-connector 134.

[0111] A third embodiment of the syringe apparatus is indicated globally at 210 in FIGS. 10A and 10B. Identical or similar components to those of the first and second embodiments will be referenced using identical or similar reference numerals, and further detailed description will be omitted for brevity.

[0112] The syringe adapter device 214 has an elongated syringe holder 224 having an extended longitudinal channel 228 which fully encompasses the travel of the movable member 230. The longitudinal channel 228 therefore itself forms front and rear stops 266, 268 to prevent escape of the movable member 230 and allowing for free movement of the movable member 230 only within the longitudinal channel 228.

[0113] The syringe holder 224 therefore includes an extended rear portion 270 beyond the rear grip 238, which could be useful for resting against a user's arm, further stabilising the syringe apparatus 210. In this case, front grips may not be necessary.

[0114] Various additional embodiments of the movable member are shown in FIGS. 11A to 11F. Identical or similar components to those of the first to third embodiments will be referenced using identical or similar reference numerals, and further detailed description will be omitted for brevity.

[0115] FIG. 11A shows a movable member 330 having a contoured finger grip 332 which is at or adjacent to a front annulus 372 engagable with a front end of the plunger. This might assist with smooth and steady retraction of the plunger into the retracted condition.

[0116] FIG. 11B shows a movable member 430 having a contoured finger grip 432, in which the lateral edges 474 of the finger grip 432 are shaped to receive a user's finger from the side.

[0117] FIG. 110 shows a movable member 530 having a triangular finger grip 532. Instead of the full cap of the plunger-connector, a semi-circular plunger-connector 534 is provided, which seats around a part of the plunger top. This may assist with simple connection of the movable member 530 with the syringe.

[0118] FIG. 11D shows a movable member 630 having lateral finger grips 632a, 632b. This may provide the user with a more powerful grip on the movable member 630, since a V-shaped finger grip can be assumed, with the index and middle fingers both engaging the lateral finger grips 632a, 632b respectively. The front annulus 672 is also shown here, but this embodiment could readily be used with the standard configuration of movable member 630.

[0119] FIG. 11E shows a movable member 730 having a finger hook 732 in lieu of a nub or similar non-engaging grip. The user can insert their finger into the finger hook 732 to apply the actuating force to the movable member 730.

[0120] FIG. 11F shows a movable member 830 having a finger grip 832 which is half-way to becoming a finger hook, having an arcuate front surface around which the user may hook their finger.

[0121] As previously noted, whilst a syringe adapter device is disclosed, the present invention is not intended to exclude the possibility of an integrated syringe including the movable member as previously described. To this end, it may be possible to provide a syringe apparatus comprising a syringe having a syringe body, thereby forming the syringe portion as opposed to the syringe holder of the syringe adapter device, and a plunger receivable in the syringe body, and a rear grip for seating in or against a user's palm. The movable member then has a plunger-connector, which may be integrally formed with the plunger itself, for engaging with a plunger and a finger grip at or adjacent to a tip end of the movable member. The movable member is engaged with the syringe body and configured to move relative to the rear grip when a user applies a force at the finger grip.

[0122] The movable member can be integrally formed with, or journaled within, the syringe body so as to slide relative to the syringe body, instead of a separate syringe holder. However, in all other considerations, the method of operation of the movable member is identical to that of a syringe adapter device.

[0123] The advantage of an integrated syringe embodiment is that non-standard volumetric configurations can be considered. The syringe adapter device is suited for compatibility with existing syringes known in the art. However, there are various adaptations to the syringe itself that could be made to improve user comfort in a one-handed grip arrangement.

[0124] In particularly, the elongate nature of the syringes in the art are configured so that they can be readily operated with two hands. However, a shorter syringe with a wider barrel could now be considered, since a second hand is not required in or around the area of the syringe body. As such, a squat syringe with an integrally formed movable member engaged with the plunger could be provided.

[0125] It is therefore possible to provide a syringe or an adapter therefor which allows the plunger action to be performed with one hand. This can be achieved by providing a movable member engaged with the plunger, and which is positioned for operation by an index finger of a user holding the syringe in a pencil or pincer grip. This is completely different to the two-handed operation necessitated with syringes in the art.

[0126] The words ‘comprises/comprising’ and the words ‘having/including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.