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[Multiple reuse of disposable material for insulin injection without resterilization]
R Hildebrandt1, A Ilius, H Reinnagel
1Zentralstelle für Diabetes und Stoffwechselkrankheiten, TKO des Berlin-Chemie.
Zeitschrift Fur Die Gesamte Innere Medizin Und Ihre Grenzgebiete
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Single-use syringes and needles for insulin injections can be safely reused by type I diabetics at home. Reusing these supplies under normal hygiene conditions does not lead to bacterial contamination or local reactions.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Infectious Disease
Context:
- Type I diabetes management requires frequent insulin injections.
- Home-based insulin therapy often involves disposable injection materials.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of reusing single-use syringes and canules for insulin delivery in a domestic setting.
- To assess bacterial contamination and local reactions associated with repeated use of insulin injection materials.
Summary:
- 123 type I diabetics utilized 306 disposable syringes and canules for 4,157 insulin injections, with an average reuse duration of 29 days and 51 injections per set.
- No immediate cleaning was performed by 81% of patients.
- Post-use analysis revealed no bacterial contamination in the syringes and canules, and no local reactions at injection sites.
Impact:
- Disposable insulin injection materials can be safely reused by individual patients at home under standard personal hygiene practices.
- This practice can potentially reduce healthcare costs and waste associated with disposable medical supplies.