The role of syringe filters in harm reduction among injection drug users

OBJECTIVES: Three filters were tested for in situ efficacy in reducing bacterial contamination associated with injection drug use. METHODS: In a self-matched control design with blinded laboratory testing, injection drug users were asked to use 3 filters in random succession when loading their syringes with drug solute. RESULTS: The 0.22-micron filter proved significantly better than both the cigarette filter (relative risk [RR] = 18.0) and the 20-micron filter (RR = 4.5) in rendering syringes bacteria-free. CONCLUSIONS: The 15- to 20-micron syringe filter currently provided injection drug users in Switzerland does not significantly reduce contamination associated with common bacterial infections among users. Filters with pore width 1/100th as large are recommended

Biology · Contamination · Drug · Environmental health · Family medicine · Harm reduction · Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) · Syringe · Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis · HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk · Medicine · Opioid Use Disorder Treatment · Pharmacology

• Réduire les risques liés à l’injection de drogues au moyen d’un nouvel outil de filtration

  Maitena Milhet, Marie Jauffret‐roustide•Santé Publique•2017

  Incluir item

• Theory versus practice, bacteriological efficiency versus personal habits

  Open Access•Marie Jauffret‐roustide, Aude Chollet et al.•Drug and Alcohol Review•2017

  Incluir item

• Acceptabilité et techniques d’appropriation par les usagers des outils de réduction des risques liés à l’injection – évaluation du Steribox ®

  Marie Jauffret‐roustide•Psychotropes•2017

  Incluir item

• Injection preparation filtration and health concerns among indigenous people who inject methamphetamine

  Open Access•Mike Anastario, Michael Anastario et al.•Frontiers in Public Health•2024

  Incluir item

• Guidelines for better harm reduction

  Open Access•Carol Strike, Tara Marie Watson et al.•International Journal of Drug…•2011

  Incluir item