Becton, Dickinson and Company
LOW COST SYRINGE WITH DURABLE AND DISPOSABLE COMPONENTS

Abstract:

Low cost insulin injection syringes (20) are disclosed in which the low cost is achieved by separating the syringe into two types of components, namely, durable components that do not contact the fluid path and can be reused, and disposable or single-use components that contact the fluid path and are not reused. The ability to reuse the durable components reduces the effective per-unit cost of the syringe when multiple syringes are used. Since these components do not contact the fluid path, sterility is not affected. The disposal burden is also reduced because not all of the syringe components need to be disposed of each time a syringe is used. Two different syringe components--a reusable outer sleeve (24) containing scale markings (44) for the syringe, and a reusable syringe plunger (32)--are provided as durable components in embodiments of the present invention. Syringes (20) manufactured according to the present invention can employ one or both of these durable components. Methods for making, using and packaging such syringes are also disclosed.