Abstract

A disposable disease control syringe which reduces the frequency of accidental needle strikes to health care workers and prevents health-threatening reuse of the needle cannula by drug abusers. The syringe includes a cylinder having an open proximal end, a closed distal end, and a needle projecting through the distal end. A piston assembly having a detachable stem and a needle capturing receptacle moves axially through the syringe cylinder to expulse fluid medication and to selectively engage the needle at the most distal aspect of the cylinder. The stem is then withdrawn from the cylinder through the open proximal end thereof, whereby to relocate the needle from the distal to the proximal cylinder end. The needle capturing receptacle is locked at the proximal end of the syringe cylinder, such that the needle cannula extends from the proximal end and is completely shielded by the cylinder. The stem is then detached from the piston assembly and discarded, thereby leaving a disposal cartridge with the needle cannula rendered permanently irretrievable therewith.