Low dead space syringe

The difference between high and low dead space syringes is determined by the average quantity of fluid that cannot be expelled from the device.

[5] Specifically, there is some data to suggest that disease transmission for people who inject drugs and carry Hepatitis C virus can be reduced with the use of low dead space syringes.

It was initially created with low dead space for accurate measuring and mixing of fast and slow acting insulin, which had the added benefit of wasting as little of the expensive drug as possible.

According to WHO guidelines for people who inject drugs it is suggested that needle exchange programs provide low dead space syringes for distribution to people who inject drugs due to evidence that the provision of low dead space syringes leads to a reduction in the transmission of HIV, and hepatitis B and C.[10][11] Critics of low dead space syringe distribution to needle exchange programs claim that real world pilot studies do not exist to support findings within labs.

Other critics argue that countries like Vietnam, where low dead space needles are distributed and available, have the highest rates of HIV among people who inject drugs.

1-ml syringe design yields 2 micro literes and standard syringe and needle hub yield 84 micro liters on average.
Example a low and high dead space syringe and the average fluid remaining after complete depression of the plunger.
Standard high dead space needle and syringe with extended plunger
1-ml syringe, "insulin syringe"
Standard high dead space syringe with low dead space needle