Most models have a sleeve that slides down the barrel and is locked over the needle after the shot is administered. Others have a needle that automatically retracts into the barrel after use. Suburban Hospital and Georgetown University Hospital have opted for the sliding sleeve syringe, officials of the institutions say, but they are monitoring new products. The new needles cost about 30 cents, compared with a dime for regular ones. For institutions that use millions of needles a year, that will add up.
Technologies designed to deliver drugs without needles are currently in development.
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