Syringe Collection Research Articles

Detekcija hemolize za merenje etanola u svim uzorcima krvi pre centrifugiranja - HemCheck uređaj

Background: As previously reported, the measurement of ethanol can also be affected by interference from hemolysis. This is a matter of concern since ethanol is widely regarded as the most commonly abused substance globally. When sample re-collection is ordered to eliminate hemolysis effects for ethanol testing, this can have unfavourable consequences for these patients. Rapid detection of hemolysed specimens would alleviate some issues associated with forensic samples. This study aimed to assess the qualitative analytical performance of a novel point-of-care testing device per the guidelines specified in CLSI-EP-12A document. HemCheck™ is a novel POCT device that qualitatively detects free-hemoglobin levels on the specimen shortly after drawing the sample. Methods: The system consists of two components. One is a cartridge with a needle that is used to transfer a small volume of whole blood from a vacuum tube to vertical and lateral flow filtration. The second component is the reader. The consumable cartridges are designed to be inserted into the reader without requiring the syringe or blood collection tube removal. A red indicator led illuminates, indicating that the sample has been hemolysed. To assess the imprecision of the method, we determined the C5-C95 interval and C50, using the Roche Cobas clinical chemistry analyser as the comparator. For this study, we utilised residual samples. Results: Our C50 concentrations were 45 mg/dL, the C5-C95 30 mg/dL and 60 mg/dL, respectively. Two methods reveal an overall agreement of 89.2%. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the study showed a positive agreement of 95.7% and a negative agreement of 80.0%. The calculated Cohen's Kappa value was 77.3%. Conclusion: According to current literature, a bias in ethanol levels can be noticed even with small free hemoglobin concentrations. When it came to forensic samples, this bias was crucial. Our study confirmed that the HemCheck device has acceptable analytical performance, as outlined in the CLSI-EP-12A document. Although the possible beneficial impacts of the innovative POCT hemolysis detection device on the preanalytical phase are proposed, we have not studied them in this study.

Опыт использования вакуумной тонкоигольной аспирационной биопсии под ультразвуковым контролем у пациентов с очаговой патологией щитовидной железы: пилотные результаты

Background : Due to its availability, high information content and harmlessness, ultrasound is an extremely effective method of differential diagnosis of thyroid pathology. Despite the sufficient arsenal of diagnostic methods, thyroid biopsy with cytological examination is the «gold» standard in diagnostic algorithms. Most often, fine — needle aspiration biopsy is carried out using disposable syringes of different capacities (5, 10, 20 ml3). The procedure is performed in most cases according to the «Free hand» method, this leads to several problems associated with the peculiarity of the study, primarily with the low vacuum created in the syringe and insufficient collection of cytological material, as well as insufficient practical experience for a novice specialist. Aim: Determination of the range of the possibility of using vacuum aspiration fine needle biopsy under the control of ultrasound navigation in patients with focal thyroid pathology. Materials and methods : On the basis of the Problem Research Laboratory «Diagnostic studies and minimally invasive technologies» of the Smolensk State Medical University, a device for vacuum fine — needle aspiration biopsy was developed. In the period 2019–2020, 780 vacuum fine — needle aspiration biopsy was performed under the control of ultrasound navigation in patients with thyroid nodules. The level of vacuum in the syringe during sampling of the material was — 0,5 bar (- 50 kPa). Results: A comparative analysis of the cytological results obtained with the help of vacuum fine — needle aspiration biopsy and the «Free hand» method shows a decrease in obtaining the category of Bethesda 1 by 3.3% and Bethesda 3 by 10.2%. Conclusion: This indicates the effectiveness and in formativeness of the use of vacuum fine — needle aspiration biopsy in patients with focal thyroid pathology in comparison with the standard «Free hand» method, as well as with vacuum fine — needle aspiration biopsy due to constant visual monitoring and the lack of movement of the syringe piston to create a discharge when taking cytological material, the probability of needle deviation from the biopsy zone is reduced, which increases the effectiveness of the study and facilitates the work of a novice specialist.

Experience of using vacuum fine-needle aspiration biopsy under ultrasound control in patients with focal thyroid pathology

Background: Due to its availability, high information content and harmlessness, ultrasound is an extremely effective method of differential diagnosis of thyroid pathology. Despite the sufficient arsenal of diagnostic methods, thyroid biopsy with cytological examination is the «gold» standard in diagnostic algorithms. Most often, fine — needle aspiration biopsy is carried out using disposable syringes of different capacities (5, 10, 20 ml3). The procedure is performed in most cases according to the «Free hand» method, this leads to several problems associated with the peculiarity of the study, primarily with the low vacuum created in the syringe and insufficient collection of cytological material, as well as insufficient practical experience for a novice specialist.Aim: Determination of the range of the possibility of using vacuum aspiration fine needle biopsy under the control of ultrasound navigation in patients with focal thyroid pathology.Materials and methods: On the basis of the Problem Research Laboratory «Diagnostic studies and minimally invasive technologies» of the Smolensk State Medical University, a device for vacuum fine — needle aspiration biopsy was developed. In the period 2019–2020, 780 vacuum fine — needle aspiration biopsy was performed under the control of ultrasound navigation in patients with thyroid nodules. The level of vacuum in the syringe during sampling of the material was — 0,5 bar (- 50 kPa).Results: A comparative analysis of the cytological results obtained with the help of vacuum fine — needle aspiration biopsy and the «Free hand» method shows a decrease in obtaining the category of Bethesda 1 by 3.3% and Bethesda 3 by 10.2%.Conclusion: This indicates the effectiveness and in formativeness of the use of vacuum fine — needle aspiration biopsy in patients with focal thyroid pathology in comparison with the standard «Free hand» method, as well as with vacuum fine — needle aspiration biopsy due to constant visual monitoring and the lack of movement of the syringe piston to create a discharge when taking cytological material, the probability of needle deviation from the biopsy zone is reduced, which increases the effectiveness of the study and facilitates the work of a novice specialist.

Substances detected in used syringes of injecting drug users across 7 cities in Europe in 2017 and 2018: The European Syringe Collection and Analysis Project Enterprise (ESCAPE)

Background and aimsInjecting drug use is a matter of public health concern, associated with risks of overdoses, addiction and increased risk of bloodborne viral transmissions. Self-reported data on substances injected can be inaccurate or subject to bias or drug users might be oblivious to their injected substances or adulterations. Gathering of robust analytical information on the actual composition of substances injected might provide better information about the drugs that are being used. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse the residual content of discarded syringes collected across 7 European cities, collectively called the European Syringe Collection and Analysis Project Enterprise (ESCAPE). MethodsUsed syringes were collected at street automatic injection kit dispensers or at harm-reduction services in Amsterdam, Budapest, Cologne, Glasgow, Helsinki, Lausanne and Paris. Two sampling periods were executed thus far, in 2017 and 2018. Qualitative chemical analysis of the content of used syringes was performed combining gas chromatographic (GC) and ultra(high)performance liquid chromatographic ((U)HPLC) analytical techniques with detection by mass spectrometry (MS). ResultsSubstances detected most frequently across both campaigns were cocaine, heroin, buprenorphine, amphetamines and synthetic cathinones. In Amsterdam, Cologne, Lausanne and Glasgow heroin and cocaine were the psychoactive substances most often detected, often in conjunction with each other. Helsinki showed a high presence of buprenorphine and amphetamines. In Budapest and Paris, synthetic cathinones were frequently detected. Less synthetic cathinones and cocaine was detected in 2018, whereas buprenorphine was detected almost twice as much. Inner-city variations were found, probably reflecting the types of people who inject drugs (PWID) in different areas of the city. ConclusionOverall, laboratory-confirmed local data on injected substances showed resemblance to national surveys done among PWID. However, the ESCAPE data also showed some interesting differences, showing it can be used for local interventions and complementing existing monitoring data.

Hepatitis C and HIV incidence and harm reduction program use in a conflict setting: an observational cohort of injecting drug users in Kabul, Afghanistan.

BackgroundArmed conflict may increase the risk of HIV and other pathogens among injecting drug users (IDUs); however, there are few prospective studies. This study aimed to measure incidence and potential predictors, including environmental events and needle and syringe distribution and collection program (NSP) use, of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV among IDUs in Kabul, Afghanistan.MethodsConsenting adult IDUs completed interviews quarterly in year 1 and semi-annually in year 2 and HCV and HIV antibody testing semi-annually through the cohort period (November 2007–December 2009). Interviews detailed injecting and sexual risk behaviors, NSP service use, and conflict-associated displacement. Quarters with peak conflict or local displacement were identified based on literature review, and key events, including insurgent attacks and deaths, were reported with simple counts. Incidence and predictors of HCV and HIV were measured with Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsOf 483 IDUs enrolled, 385 completed one or more follow-up visits (483.8 person-years (p-y)). All participants were male with a median age of 28 years and a median duration of injecting of 2 years. Reported NSP use among the participants ranged from 59.9 to 70.5 % in the first year and was 48.4 and 55.4 % at 18 and 24 months, respectively. There were 41 confirmed deaths, with a crude death rate of 93.4/1000 p-y (95 % confidence interval (CI) 67.9–125) and overdose as the most common cause. HCV and HIV incidence were 35.6/100 p-y (95 % CI 28.3–44.6) and 1.5/100 p-y (95 % CI 0.6–3.3), respectively. Changing from injecting to smoking was protective for HCV acquisition (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) = 0.53, 95 % CI 0.31–0.92), while duration of injecting (AHR = 1.09, 95 % CI 1.01–1.18/year) and sharing syringes (AHR = 10.09, 95 % CI 1.01–100.3) independently predicted HIV infection.ConclusionThere is high HCV incidence and high numbers of reported deaths among male Kabul IDUs despite relatively consistent levels of harm reduction program use; peak violence periods did not independently predict HCV and HIV risk. Programming should increase awareness of HCV transmission and overdose risks, prepare clients for harm reduction needs during conflict or other causes of displacement, and continue efforts to engage community and police force support.

Relevance of EDTA carryover during blood collection.

The order of draw is regarded as a preanalytical issue to prevent carryover of additives during blood collection. Our objective was to prove the theory of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) carryover for a closed vacuum system and the influence of EDTA on concentrations of selected biomarkers. To test the carryover of EDTA, a blood collection with tripotassium EDTA (K3EDTA) and subsequent non-additive tubes was simulated using distilled water as substitute for blood. EDTA concentrations were measured by tandem mass spectrometry. Then we added increasing concentrations of EDTA to heparinized blood and measured routine biomarkers, thereby simulating a carryover of EDTA whole blood and pure EDTA, respectively. Additionally, we tested for EDTA contamination and biomarker alteration in samples collected from 10 healthy volunteers by a syringe with subsequent transfer into sample tubes. No EDTA contamination was detected in samples collected subsequent to a K3EDTA tube when adhering to guidelines of blood sampling. Magnesium, calcium, and potassium levels were altered by artificial K3EDTA whole-blood contamination as well as when adding 1 μL pure K3EDTA. Iron values were altered at EDTA concentrations of 4.4 mmol/L. All other parameters remained unaffected. A slight EDTA carryover was observed in syringe collection and subsequent transfer into EDTA and heparin tubes, however, without any biomarker alteration. An EDTA carryover during blood collection using a closed vacuum system is highly unlikely. Even if carryover of EDTA whole blood occurs, an absolute volume larger than 10 μL would be necessary to alter test results. However, contamination of samples with preloaded pure K3EDTA solution by severe neglect of current recommendations in blood collection may significantly alter testing results.

Just Another Night in the Shooting Gallery?: The Syringe, Space, and Affect

In his ethnography of the shooting gallery Phillipe Bourgois interprets the comment “I started shooting heroin at 14, now I'm 64” as an indication that his respondent's “oppression is fully internalised and, almost like a neo-liberal ideologue, he takes full responsibility for his poverty, illiteracy and homelessness” (1998 Theory, Culture and Society 15). In this paper I consider whether this interpretation adequately gets to grips with a lifetime of attachment to the syringe. Could there be another interpretation for the experience of the shooting gallery? What happens when heroin addiction is addressed not in terms of the political economy of suffering but the political economy of affect? Drawing on my empirical research on the syringe, I examine the affective dimension of the shooting gallery, paying particular attention to the sensation of the syringe. My focus concerns the policy of needle exchange, practices of syringe collection and disposal, and issues of space, waste, and affect. Bringing together poststructural analyses of space, I argue that the excess value of the used syringe unsettles the boundaries between subject and object, private and public, and space and place. This has implications for how we understand not just the space of the shooting gallery but the politics of harm reduction and the city.

Influence of method of specimen collection on various preanalytical sample quality indicators in EDTA blood collected for cell counting

Improving specimen quality as well as healthcare worker (HCW) safety poses significant concerns for today's laboratories. With an increasing number of diagnostic tests requested, laboratory professionals are faced with challenges to reduce laboratory errors, improve the quality of laboratory results to assure accurate diagnosis and implement initiatives to ensure healthcare worker safety and minimize risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. A prior study conducted in 2008 reported that variations in blood collection methods for clinical chemistry assays may affect overall specimen quality. As a follow up, the current study assessed the quality of 22563 patient specimens for cell counting in EDTA blood collection tubes that were obtained with needle and syringe collection (open) using either disposable tubes or re-washed glass vials or with an evacuated blood collection system (closed). Based on the observations, the use of the evacuated blood collection system resulted in better preanalytical specimen quality as compared with needle and syringe collection. The findings also showed an approximately 70-fold reduction in the incidence of clotting as well as fewer instrument-generated flags using the evacuated collection system. In addition, the use of an evacuated collection system for venous blood collection demonstrated lesser chance of blood exposure to healthcare workers.

787: A novel method for collecting vaginal pool for fetal lung maturity studies

Fetal lung maturity (FLM) studies using vaginal pool can guide management in near-term gestations with rupture of membranes (ROM). Because an adequate sample may be difficult to collect using a syringe, we tested collection using a sterile sponge. We prospectively studied vaginal pool collected via both a syringe and a sponge from women with ROM at 34-41 weeks of gestation. Fluid was first collected from the vaginal pool with a syringe via angiocatheter extraction. Next, a sterile sponge was placed in the vault to absorb fluid; the sponge was then placed in the barrel of a 20 cc syringe. The plunger was depressed to extract fluid into a specimen tube. Each sample was analyzed using the TDx-FLM II assay (Abbott Laboratories) and thin layer chromatography for phosphatidylglycerol (PG). Agreement between syringe and sponge collection was evaluated using the kappa statistic. 77 subjects were enrolled, with a mean gestational age of 38 weeks. In 27 cases, an adequate specimen was unobtainable using the syringe. Of the 50 remaining subjects, 44 demonstrated concordant syringe and sponge results for both TDx-FLM and PG. In one gravida, TDx-FLM testng was mature when collected with the sponge and immature when collected with the syringe. PG was absent in both of these samples; the term neonate had no evidence of respiratory distress syndrome. The kappa statistic demonstrated substantial agreement between sponge and syringe FLM measurements (kappa = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.53 – 0.93). FLM studies collected from vaginal pool via a sponge correlate well with studies collected via a syringe. Sponge collection is a novel method for obtaining vaginal pool for FLM studies; this may guide clinicians in the management of near-term ROM.

Increasing Safe Syringe Collection Sites in New York State

This article describes expansion of options for safe syringe collection in New York State (NYS) in conjunction with efforts to enhance and expand access to hypodermic needles and syringes. Together with activities to educate the public and providers about the dangers of improperly disposed of syringes, the goals were to (1) develop community-based collection sites for individuals to safely dispose of used syringes and (2) improve accessibility of existing health-care facility-based collection sites. During the period of 2002 to 2006, 79 community-based collection sites were created. These sites collected an estimated 2.6 million used syringes during 2006. Significant increases in availability and use of health-care facility-based collection sites was also documented. Efforts to promote safe disposal in NYS are ongoing, informed by these findings.

The development of peer educator‐based harm reduction programmes in northern Vietnam

Injecting drug use remains an important risk factor for transmission in Vietnam, with an estimated 50% of the 290 000 people living with HIV/AIDS reporting injecting drug use as a risk factor. Despite this, effective harm reduction interventions are generally lacking. This paper describes the implementation of peer-based harm reduction programmes in two rural provinces of Vietnam. Peer educators were trained in basic HIV prevention, including harm reduction. After significant preparation work with the Provincial AIDS Committees of Bac Giang and Thanh Hoa and other relevant national, provincial and local authorities, the interventions were commenced. Harm reduction interventions were delivered through outreach as well as on-site. This included needle and syringe distribution and collection. Community advocacy occurred throughout the life of the project. Local authorities and peers believed that while there was a general reduction in stigma and discrimination, legal barriers associated particularly with the carrying of injecting equipment remained. This impacted upon the ability of peer educators to work with their clients. Peer-based delivery of harm reduction intervention is acceptable. Harm reduction interventions, including needle and syringe programmes, are feasible and acceptable in these two rural Vietnamese provinces. Community acceptance and uptake of these interventions is key to successful expansion across the region. Active participation by families of drug users seems crucial. This initiative demonstrates that despite a difficult policy environment, peer-delivered needle and syringe programmes are feasible within a rural Asian environment as long as there is adequate local political and community support.

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

AbstractRubber Products (MIC: 11.6 SIC: 3069 NAIC: 326299)West Pharmaceutical Services develops, manufactures and sells components and systems used for injectable drug delivery. These components include elastomeric stoppers and aluminum seals for vials, multi‐piece tamper‐resistant plastic and aluminum closures and components used in syringe, intravenous and blood collection systems. Co. also provides plastic systems and components for use in over the counter drugs, personal care and food and beverage applications. Co. operates in a single reportable segment referred to as the Pharmaceutical Systems segment. This reportable segment consists of three operating segments: the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Device Group.

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

AbstractRubber Products (MIC: 11.6 SIC: 3069 NAIC: 326299)West Pharmaceutical Services develops, manufactures and sells components and systems used for injectable drug delivery. These components include elastomeric stoppers and aluminum seals for vials, multi‐piece tamper‐resistant plastic and aluminum closures and components used in syringe, intravenous and blood collection systems. Co. also provides plastic systems and components for use in over the counter drugs, personal care and food and beverage applications. Co. operates in a single reportable segment referred to as the Pharmaceutical Systems segment. This reportable segment consists of three operating segments: the Americas, Europe/Asia and the Device Group.

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

Mergent's Dividend AchieversVolume 3, Issue 3 p. 309-309 U.S. Company Reports West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.† First published: 30 June 2006 https://doi.org/10.1002/div.4535 † Contact: : Donald E. Morel Jr. — Chmn., C.E.O. Address: : 101 Gordon Drive, P.O. Box 645, Lionville, PA 19341-0645 Web Site: : www.westpharma.com AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Abstract Rubber Products (MIC: 11.6 SIC: 3069 NAIC: 326299) West Pharmaceutical Services develops, manufactures and sells components and systems used for injectable drug delivery. These components include elastomeric stoppers and aluminum seals for vials, multi-piece tamper-resistant plastic and aluminum closures and components used in syringe, intravenous and blood collection systems. Co. also provides plastic systems and components for use in over the counter drugs, personal care and food and beverage applications. Co. operates in a single reportable segment referred to as the Pharmaceutical Systems segment. This reportable segment consists of three operating segments: the Americas, Europe/Asia and the Device Group. Volume3, Issue3Summer 2006Pages 309-309 RelatedInformation

Comparison of Umbilical Cord Collection Methods: Impact on Cellularity and Microbial Contamination Rates.

IntroductionUmbilical cord blood collections are typically performed using one of two methods: the syringe collection method and the gravity collection bag method. Collection volume, total nucleated cell (TNC) count, total CD34 positive cell count and percent with microbial contamination were analyzed to determine differences between collections performed using these two methods.MethodsUnits were processed using a hydroxyethyl starch red blood cell depletion method. TNC counts were measured using a Beckman Coulter HmX Analyzer. Total CD34 positive cell counts and viability were measured using the Beckman Coulter Epics XL-MCL flow cytometer. Microbial testing was performed using the VersaTrek system. Data related to collection volume and cellular content were analyzed by a Wilcoxin rank sum test of the paired differences [95% confidence interval (CI) for the difference between the control and experimental (syringe collections) results].Results and ConclusionsThe total cord blood volume collected via the syringe method was not significantly lower than that collected using the gravity collection bag method. However, the TNC count and total CD34 positive cell count from syringe collections were significantly inferior to the TNC count and CD34 positive cell count from gravity bag collections. The rate of microbial contamination of units collected in syringes was 3.3-fold higher than that of units collected using gravity collection bags. Cord blood banks should train collection sites on optimal collection methods and monitor the compliance of all collection sites with standardized collection procedures.Summary of ResultsGravity Bag CollectionsSyringe CollectionsCollection VolumeN27,12155Mean66 mL60 mLStandard Deviation+/− 30 mL+/− 24 mLWilcoxin rank sum test (p-value)0.0945TNC Count (Post Processing)N27,12155Mean7.5 x 10^85.0 x 10^8Standard Deviation+/− 4.6 x 10^8+/− 3.5 x 10^8Wilcoxin rank sum test (p-value)<0.0001Total CD 34 Positive Cells (Post Processing)N20,49551Mean2.76 x 10^61.77 x 10^6Standard Deviation+/− 2.87 x 10^6+/− 1.32 x 10^6Wilcoxin rank sum test (p-value)< 0.0001Microbial Contamination Rate7.1 %23.6%

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

AbstractRubber Products (MIC: 11.6 SIC: 3069 NAIC: 326299)West Pharmaceutical Services develops, manufactures and sells components and systems used for injectable drug delivery. These components include elastomeric stoppers and aluminum seals for vials, multi‐piece tamper‐resistant plastic and aluminum closures and components used in syringe, intravenous and blood collection systems. Co. also provides plastic systems and components for use in over the counter drugs, personal care and food and beverage applications. Co. operates in a single reportable segment referred to as the Pharmaceutical Systems segment. This reportable segment consists of three operating segments: the Americas, Europe/Asia and the Device Group.

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

AbstractRubber Products (MIC: 11.6 SIC: 069 NAIC: 26299)West Pharmaceutical Services develops, manufactures and sells components and systems used for injectable drug delivery. These components include elastomeric stoppers and aluminum seals for vials, multi‐piece tamper‐resistant plastic and aluminum closures and components used in syringe, intravenous and blood collection systems. Co. also provides plastic systems and components for use in over the counter drugs, personal care and food and beverage applications. Co. operates in a single reportable segment referred to as the Pharmaceutical Systems segment. This reportable segment consists of three operating segments: the Americas, Europe/Asia and the Device Group.

Blood samples collected under venous oxygen pressure from patients with sickle cell disease contain a significant number of a new type of reversibly sickled cells: Constancy of the percentage of sickled cells in individual patients during steady state

We found various levels of a new type of reversibly sickled cell (RSC) with blunt edges in 44 blood samples obtained from 32 steady-state patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) without exposure to air (UnExp-blood). Because these RSCs could be generated in vitro by partial oxygenation of once-deoxygenated SS cells to venous oxygen pressure, we named them "partially oxygenated sickled cells" (POSCs). These RSCs were classified into elongated and non-elongated RSCs, depending on the ratio of the short axis to long axis. The presence of these cells was previously unknown because the standard blood collection method oxygenates most of the POSCs to discocytes due to oxygen in the air space in the needle, syringe, and blood collection tube (Exp-blood). Although the shape of elongated POSCs is similar to that of irreversibly sickled cells (ISCs), POSCs revert to discocytes upon exposure to air. We found the following: (1) the percentage of total sickled cells (total POSCs + ISCs) in UnExp-blood (29.0 +/- 14.5%) was significantly higher than the percentage of sickled cells (mainly ISCs) in Exp-blood (7.3 +/- 5.7%); (2) the percentage of sickled cells in UnExp-blood was specific to individual patients during steady state, while it decreased at the onset of a vaso-occlusive event; and (3) the percentage of sickled cells in UnExp-blood varied widely among steady-state patients (4-56%). This new type of RSC may be used as an internal biomarker to evaluate the disease state of individual patients.

Community syringe collection and disposal policies in 16 states.

To review laws, regulations, and guidelines that affect the collection and disposal of hypodermic needles, syringes, and lancets used outside of professional health care settings (hereafter referred to as "community syringes"). Law and policy analysis. Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Washington, and Wisconsin. Information on syringe collection and disposal in the community was gathered from federal and state records and state agency personnel. Legally permissible means of syringe collection and disposal available to persons in the community injecting medical treatments and injection drug users. Laws, regulations, or guidelines in 13 states allowed community syringes to be legally discarded in household trash; guidelines for in-trash disposal varied among the states. Only 6 states had laws or regulations that specifically addressed community syringe collection. In 10 states, infectious waste laws and regulations that apply to medical facilities such as clinics would also apply to community syringe collection sites. In the 16 states studied, laws, regulations, and guidelines relating to community syringe collection and disposal were somewhat inconsistent and confusing and presented potential barriers to safe disposal. States should consider amending laws, regulations, and guidelines to promote community syringe collection programs. A national effort is needed to achieve consistent community syringe collection and disposal laws and guidelines for all states. Pharmacists can aid in safe syringe disposal by counseling their patients about safe disposal, providing or selling sharps containers, and accepting used syringes for safe disposal. Pharmacists can join other interested groups in advocating clarification of disposal laws and regulations that favor community programs designed to keep syringes out of the trash so that they can be disposed of as infectious waste.

Eureka--implementing safe community needle disposal in Rhode Island.

In a study of 16 states in the United States, 12 states (75%) did not have biomedical waste laws and/or regulations designed to encourage community syringe collection programs. 5 Florida is a good example of how supportive regulations and policies can favor the development of community needle disposal programs. In Florida, state and county governments recognized the value of community programs to collect needles for safe disposal. As a result, Florida state government simplified the administrative procedures and first reduced and then eliminated fees for community needle collection programs. In addition, the Florida DOH Division of Environmental Health assigned biomedical waste coordinators to assist local and county community needle collection efforts. The local programs were designed to provide sharps containers and collection of needles at no or limited cost to the public. An indepth study of these programs would be useful in assessing the success of the programs in “capturing” needles and other sharps, such as lancets, generated outside of health care settings and in preventing occupational and nonoccupational needle-stick injuries in the community.