Systematic immunization of newborn children plays a vital role in reducing the disease burden around the world, and syringes and needles are obviously of utmost importance in performing immunizations. However, the misuse of these devices contributes to the transmission of deadly blood-borne diseases such as Hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS. Each year, more than 12 billion injections are administered worldwide; last year in developing countries an estimated 50 percent of injections were deemed to be unsafe. When syringes and needles are reused on multiple patients, disease can easily be transmitted from one patient to another.

Detailed description of the solution

The BD SoloShot LX Syringe is designed to prevent the syringe and the needle from being reused. After an injection is given to a patient, the plunger automatically locks and the syringe and needle cannot be reused.

Designed by

• Designed by: Program for Appropriate Technologies in Health (PATH)
• Manufacturing: This technology has been licensed and is now manufactured and marketed by BD (Becton, Dickinson & Company) in facilities around the world.
• Headquarters: BD Medical, 1 Becton Drive, MC204, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417

Testing/Implementation

BD conducted a clinical trial in Columbia in 2001 and the device is currently distributed in over 50 countries.

Funding Source

This project is privately funded by BD Medical. Funding has also come from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under PATH's HealthTech program.

References