Introducing Curative AD (Auto-Disable) Syringes -

Comments from AD Syringe Manufacturers

SIGN ConferenceCairo 2000

Auto-Destruct Syringes for Curative Applications

• Star’s curative experience limited to general hospital use in China.

• Overall feed back has been good. • Some initial problems were

instructive.

Lessons Learned from use of ADs in Chinese Hospitals

• A complete range of sizes (1,2.5,5, and 10 ml) must be provided. Health workers would not mix ADs and re-usables. All sizes are now provided.

• Price was a critical issue. A premium of around 10% was found to be acceptable.

• Initial (self) instruction and practice was required. Nurses reported requiring 'a few tries’.

Lessons Learned - Continued

• Specific to the K1 design - the breakpoint needed to be strengthened to withstand higher forces.

• The design must allow for vein location, drug mixing, use of diluents, aspiration, and blood witnessing.

• Blood sampling requires the plunger to be fully depressed in most cases. This will require further design modifications.

What can SIGN do to Advance ADs for Curative Applications?

• Current designs can be used in many applications in addition to vaccines. No perfect solutions for the price.

• SIGN associates need to promote the use and procurement of AD syringes for broad application.

• Market forces will determine choice and cost.