Comparison of costs for reusable and disposable syringes

The cost for reusable and disposable syringes was studied in Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, a university hospital in the northern part of Thailand. The cost for operating reusable syringes includes that for cleaning and sterilization. This consists of labour, replacement for defective syringes, tap water, electricity, depreciation of instruments. The cost for disposable items was calculated from the number of syringes used multiplied by the price of the individual size. Results showed that 34,598 syringes were used monthly from August to October 1989. The cost for reusable syringes was 84,714 baht in comparison with 81,874 baht for disposable items. The latter was cheaper by 2,840 baht per month. It is concluded that disposable syringes are cheaper, at least in this university hospital.