INTRA UTERINE DEVICE, (I.U.D.), copper, TCU 380 A
Valid Article
INTRA UTERINE DEVICE, (I.U.D.)
Definition
Intra-uterine contraceptive with localised action.
Small T-shaped flexible plastic device, with 2 copper strings (reinforcing the contraceptive effect) placed at the fundus of the uterus to prevent fertilization.
Specifications
Quality standards
Technical specifications
- T-shaped IUD (polyethylene)
- Vertical axis of the "T":
- length: 35.69 to 36.20 mm
- diameter: 1.57 ± 0.05 mm
- Horizontal axis of the "T":
- length: 31.50 to 32.13 mm
- diameter: 1.57 ± 0.05 mm
- tip diameter: 2.93 to 3.07 mm
- Copper wiring
- Minimum 380 mm2 wire in total:
- 314 mm2 wrapped around the vertical axis
- 33 mm2 on each transversal arm
- Purity of copper wire: 99.99 % minimum
- Weight of copper: 180 ± 10 mg
- Two white strings, attached to the base of the IUD
- length: 10,5 to 12.5 cm
- Insertion tube (high density polyethylene - HDPE)
- Length: 206 ± 3 mm
- Internal diameter: 3.734 ± 0.1 mm
- External diameter: 4.394 ± 0.1 mm
- Fitted with a sliding blue collar
- Plunger (ABS)
- Solid, white and opaque tube, terminating in a loop at one end
- Length: 188 to 193 mm
- Diameter at extremity: 2.67 to 2.90 mm
- Setting guide (cardboard): graduated in cm, from 0 to 11 cm
- X-ray visible device
- Sterile, for single use
Packaging & Labelling
Each IUD is packed in a disposable peel pack allowing effective sterilization, safe handling, and storage until needed for use and facilitating proper aseptic presentation.
Instructions for use
Storage
Store between 15º and 25º C.
Waste management
Immediately after removal, dispose of the device into a sharps container (see related articles below).
MSF requirements
The copper wire surface determines the IUD effectiveness and period of use. It must be of minimum 380 mm².
The TCu 380A provides long duration contraceptive protection (for up to 10 years).
The TCu 380A is intended for uterine cavity depth between 6 and 9 cm.
According to a UNFPA study, the effectiveness of Tcu380A is double compared to that of the Multiload 375®.
NB The shorter intra-uterine devices available on the market (length of the vertical axis of the "T" = 30 mm) are reserved for nulliparae (uterine cavity depth: 5 to 8 cm).