System and method for syringe plunger engagement with an injector

A piston/plunger engagement mechanism comprising:

• a plunger body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a circumferential sidewall extending between the proximal end and the distal end along a plunger longitudinal axis, the plunger body comprising:
• at least one resiliently deflectable retaining member having a first segment attached to the plunger body and a second segment protruding toward the distal end of the plunger body and deflectable relative to the first segment,
• a catch surface on the second segment, and
• at least one actuation member associated with the at least one resiliently deflectable retaining member, and
• a piston associated with a fluid injector, the piston comprising:
• at least one actuation surface configured to interact with the actuation member of the plunger body to deflect the resiliently deflectable retaining member upon rotation of the plunger body relative to the piston, and
• a radial lip having a locking ledge for releasably engaging the catch on the at least one resiliently deflectable retaining member of the plunger,
• wherein the at least one actuation member interacts with a piston to deflect the at least one resiliently deflectable retaining member upon rotation of the plunger relative to the piston.