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.