Introducing Curative AD (Auto-Disable) Syringes - Comments from AD Syringe Manufacturers SIGN Conference Cairo 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.