Active or passive safety devices: a useful debate?

In 2010, the use of safety devices for injections or infusions was mandated by European legislation to protect healthcare workers and carers from needlestick injuries (NSIs).¹ Such legislation was also introduced earlier in the US in 2000, as awareness grew and the drive to protect healthcare professionals from serious or fatal infections in healthcare settings began in earnest. The market for safety products continues to grow today, with one analyst firm estimating the current global market valuation at $2,038 million, growing to $3,009 million by 2026 – registering a compound annual growth rate of 8.1% across the period.²

These safety devices have evolved into two main categories: active and passive. An active device requires the user to shield the needle after use through manual intervention. A passive device automatically shields the needle after use, with no intervention. There is a long-running debate that discusses the merits of active safety pen needles over passive safety pen needles, typically focusing solely on the issue of safety. Although safety is undoubtedly a key issue, it is just one of many factors to be considered when selecting an appropriate drug delivery device.

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