Studies on microbial contamination of reused disposable plastic insulin syringes.
The microbial contamination of reused disposable insulin syringes and bottles was studied. Fourteen patients, aged 16-64 years, took part in the study. 50 syringes and 52 bottles were examined for sterility at different stages of use. Twelve (24%) syringes and 4 (8%) bottles were found to be contaminated by micro-organisms, although only in low numbers. The micro-organisms recovered belonged to the normal skin flora of man.