BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) has introduced the 5mm BD AutoShield Safety Pen Needle, to enable healthcare workers and carers to deliver safe, comfortable injections to people with diabetes.
It is estimated that more than 100,000 needlestick injuries occur each year in the UK. They are particularly dangerous in view of the potential for transmitting lifethreatening blood-borne pathogens, such as hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV. The new safety pen needle incorporates a shield that automatically locks after injection to help prevent accidental needlestick injuries. Available in 29G x 5 mm needle size in the UK, they are believed to be the only safety-engineered pen needles compatible with all brands of pens for diabetes treatment. Shorter needles are proven to be as effective as longer needles for patients of all body types, as well as offering a less intimidating and less painful injection experience, while reducing the risk of intramuscular injections.
