Acceptability of low dead space syringes study to be presented at Bristol Drugs Project conference

The CLAHRC West study looking at whether people who inject drugs would accept new ‘low dead space’ syringes is being presented at the Bristol Drugs Project conference on Friday 1 July. The presentation, which will be given by Dr Jo Kesten, will show that the study found that this new equipment is acceptable.

Sharing syringes among people who inject drugs increases the chance of spreading infections such as HIV and hepatitis C. The likelihood of spreading these infections is influenced by the type of syringes used to inject drugs.

Research suggests that a new type of syringe called a low dead space syringe could reduce the chance of spreading infections among people who inject drugs if syringes are re-used. A low dead space syringe is designed to limit the dead space that exists between the syringe hub and needle. Needle and syringe programmes supply sterile needles and syringes for people who inject drugs, to reduce the transmission of blood-borne viruses and other infections caused by sharing injecting equipment.

The Bristol Drugs Project manages the needle and syringe programme in Bristol, so this conference is a vital way of sharing the findings of this work.