For the fourth post of this series, I wanted to share some of the insights I found in my research about reusing insulin syringes.

1) Diabetes Forum: [source]

1. I would use them at least a hand full of times before tossing them.
2. I can easily use a syringe 10 times…
3. 2x for standard syringes,
4. I also reused syringes and needles many times. I didn’t reuse when I mixed different kinds of insulin in the syringe.
5. syringes I use only once
6. I use each syringe twice

2) TuDiabetes Forum: [source]

1. Also, although it is not recommended, you CAN safely re-use insulin syringes. A small study undertaken at the University of Alabama found that re-use by the same patient in a generally clean environment did not pose any health risks. Keep in mind, though, that the syringe (particularly the needle) does wear down and the lubricants which ease injections can wear off after a few uses, so you may wish to limit the number of times you consider doing that.
2. I do re-use my syringes, usually two, sometimes three times.
3. I don’t reuse regular syringes

3) This study is a little dated, but showed no signs of infection for 56 patients totaling almost 24,000 injections.

…followed 56 patients for a total of 13,828 days of observation, during which the patients gave themselves a total of 23,664 injections. These patients reused syringes a mean of 6.6 times. No patient was found to have an infection at a site of insulin injection. [source]

4) From Diabetes Digest:

These fine needles that make for a more comfortable injection are easily damaged with repeated use. The needle tip bends like a hook, and the microscopic end can actually break off into your skin. Added to that, a deformed needle can cut your skin causing bruising and bleeding at the injection site. Fortunately, few infections have been reported with syringe reuse. [source]

5) From Yahoo – talks about contaminating the insulin vial:

…yes but it isn’t recommended as the needles have a fine coating that will wear off after the first use which may cause the 2nd shot to be a bit painful. You also risk contaminating the insulin. [source]

6) From MSN Health:

Some precautions to take if you reuse syringes:

• Put the cover back on the needle after use. The safest way to do this is to place the cover and syringe on a flat surface and slide the cover over the needle without letting the needle touch either the flat surface or your fingers. Only the inside of the cover should touch the needle. Do not hold the syringe straight up; you may accidentally stick yourself.
• Do not clean the needle with alcohol. Alcohol removes the silicone covering on the needle, causing it to become dull.
• Store the syringes at room temperature. It is best to store them with the covered needle pointing up to prevent insulin from blocking the needle opening.

Dispose of reused syringes in safe containers when:

• The shot hurts when you use the syringe.
• The needle becomes dull. Needles usually are dull after being used more than 5 times.
• The needle is bent or has touched something other than your skin.
• You notice redness or signs of infection at the place where you have given the shot. Let your doctor know if you have an infection. [source]

7) From Life with Diabetes – seems to be a little contradicting.  Basically you can save money by reusing, but don’t do it.

All though insulin syringes are not too expensive, you can save a little money by re-using disposable syringes a couple of times before disposing. Note, it is not recommended to re-use the needle. Insulin needles should only be used once and then disposed of in a puncture proof plastic container. [source]

What are your thoughts on reusing syringes?  No brainer or money saver?

Tomorrow’s post, the fifth and final in this series will contain my personal thoughts about reusing syringes and lancets.