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Can an insulin syringe be used more than once?

Dr Surender Kumar
Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism,
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital,
New Delhi

Q: If we use an insulin syringe more than once, should we just wipe the syringe with a piece of cotton soaked in spirit?

A:If you want to use a syringe more than once, then remove the cap of the syringe, take out insulin, inject, then, without touching/cleaning the needle replace cap; put syringe in freezer box of refrigerator immediately. Ensure that needle is exposed to air for minimum possible time and don't wipe needle with alcohol etc, otherwise its sharpness will go. If due care is taken you may use syringe 4-5 times even more. Truly, it is meant for one time use.