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E008: Single-use Injection Devices

E008: Single-use Injection Devices

The products listed in this section include single-use auto-disable (AD) syringes used to administer vaccines. Disposable and reusable syringes are strictly not recommended by WHO for any use in either the administration or reconstitution of vaccines.

The correct use of injection devices for immunization is described in the WHO's Immunization in practice: A practical guide for health staff.

Currently, auto-disable syringes are the only equipment that may be used to administer injectable vaccines. Relevant products are defined in ISO 7886-3.

Details regarding the products included in each sub-category of E008, as well as guidelines, performance specifications and verification protocols for this category, can be accessed through the drop-down sections below.

WHO-prequalified syringes must comply with ISO 7886-3:2005 ‒ Sterile hypodermic syringes for single use ‒ Part 3: Auto-disable syringes for fixed-dose immunization.

The auto-disable syringe is the preferred type of single-use equipment for the administration of vaccines in all settings; it carries the lowest risk of person-to-person transmission of blood-borne pathogens because it cannot be reused.

Standard disposable syringes and needles should never be used for any immunization purposes: neither delivery or reconstitution. They should never be procured for any use in the context of immunization.

WARNING: There is clear evidence that the reuse of disposable syringes is widespread globally. WHO warns governments and donor agencies that the reuse of standard disposable syringes and needles places the general public at high risk of disease and death.

Additional equipment is necessary to ensure the safety of the contaminated waste stream ‒ see E010.1: Safety boxes for the collection of used syringes, needles and sharps.