New single-use syringe launched

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, JAN. 12. The Becton Dickinson India has launched a new type of syringe that can be used only once and thus avoid the risk of transmission of diseases like HIV, Hepatitis and other blood- borne pathogens.

The auto-disable syringe, which has been approved by the WHO, is expected to find application particularly in mass immunisation programmes, where re-use of syringe and the consequent possibility of transmission of deadly viruses had been a major issue of concern. Announcing the launch, a senior official of the company said the new technology, which operates by locking the plunger of the syringe the moment it is pushed in, was that with little training, it could be used by anyone, unlike conventional syringes. The syringe, called `Soloshot', was also designed to ensure quick and accurate measurement of the vaccine to be injected and provide for better visibility of the contents.

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Ranjeet Banerjee, Director (Manufacturing) of the firm, said that at present the company had a capacity to manufacture 100 million syringes per year and plans were afoot to double this. The manufacturing plant was located at Bawal in Haryana and it had been set up at a cost of Rs. 300 crores.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : National
Previous : Adoptions cross 3000 mark
Next     : Industrialist L.L. Narayan passes away