Hepatitis C and Syringes with Detachable Needles

A new study coming out of Yale has found the Hepatitis C virus survives in syringes with detachable needles longer than in syringes with an attached needle (i.e. an insulin syringe). http://inef.ie/?p=2976 Prior to this study, cohort studies among IDU populations in the US have found a higher HIV prevalence among populations using syringes with detachable needles than in those using a syringe with an attached needle.

Combined, these studies send a powerful message about needle and syringe distribution. Wherever possible, IDU should be encouraged to use syringes with an attached needle. A few thoughts for your programs:

1) Continue to meet the local IDU population with a needle/syringe that they will accept and use. The most important behavior is to ensure IDU are using sterile needles and syringes. If the local IDU population will not use a syringe with an attached needle, do not stop distributing the type of syringe/needle they will use.

2) Wherever possible, peer educators and other outreach workers should counsel IDU about the greater safety offered by a syringe with an attached needle. IDU should be encouraged to use this type of needle.