The suppository hardness tester (type SBT 2) consists of an electrically heated chamber with an integrated sample holder and a number of interchangeable plastic inserts to accept various sized suppositories. Once up to the desired temperature, the hardness is checked by weights (included in the standard delivery range) which are gradually placed on the device until the suppository collapses under the load of the added weights.
The results are expressed in terms of total weight required to bring about the collapse of the suppository.