Debate

Syringe access for the prevention of blood borne infections among injection drug users

Sharon Stancliff¹ , Bruce Agins¹ , Josiah D Rich² and Scott Burris³

¹AIDS Institute, New York State Department of Health, 5 Penn Plaza, 1^st Floor, New York, New York 10001, USA

²The Miriam Hospital,164 Summit Avenue, Providence, RI 02906, USA

³Temple University Beasley School of Law, 1719 N Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA

author email corresponding author email

BMC Public Health 2003, 3:37doi:10.1186/1471-2458-3-37

Published:	21 November 2003

Abstract

Background

Approximately one-third of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome cases in the United States are associated with the practice of sharing of injection equipment and are preventable through the once-only use of syringes, needles and other injection equipment.

Discussion

Sterile syringes may be obtained legally by 4 methods depending on the state. They may be purchased over the counter, prescribed, obtained at syringe exchange programs or furnished by authorized agencies. Each of these avenues has advantages and disadvantages; therefore, legal access through all means is the most likely way to promote the use of sterile syringes.

Summary

By assisting illicit drug injectors to obtain sterile syringes the primary care provider is able to reduce the incidence of blood borne infections, and educate patients about safe syringe disposal. The provider is also able to initiate discussion about drug use in a nonjudgmental manner and to offer care to patients who are not yet ready to consider drug treatment.