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The use of Sterifilt, a sterile single use filter, in relation to the drug injected
Lenneke Keijzer, Study Lead, Apothicom, Paris, France
Abstract
The use of Sterifilt®, a sterile single use filter, in relation to the drug injected.
Introduction A large number of complications are associated with the injection of psychoactive drugs: transmission of virus, abscesses, phlebitis, infections by fungi. In order to limit these complications, as well as vascular damage related to the injection of non-soluble particles, the NGO Apothicom created the Stérifilt®, a single use filter.
For more than 5 years, the Sterifilt® is distributed by more than 200 syringe exchange programs (SEP) in France and the rest of the world. Feedback of theses SEP suggests that the success of this filter depends on the drug that is injected; thus that there is a difference between heroin, cocaine and crushed tablets. From a public health point of view too, it might be important too to distinguish according to the drug used, because the intravenous use of different drugs, as well tablet fillers intended for oral use, can be associated to distinct complications (abscesses, pulmonary problems).
Objectives This study was designed to improve the knowledge concerning the current use of Sterifilt® by French drug users in relation to the drug they inject. The results will contribute to the improvement of harm reduction messages and practices, and might help us to prevent particular problems associated with the introduction of the Sterifilt® in SEPs.
Methods Two methods of data collection have been used in order to gather both quantitative and qualitative information: focus groups and questionnaires. More than 200 questionnaires have been collected throughout France and 3 focus groups or expert groups have taken place on the theme of filtration. The results of this study will be presented.
In parallel, and in co-operation with P. Roux and M-P Carrieri (Inserm UMR U912, a French public research institute), the Sterifilt® was tested in a laboratory setting in order to study its capacity to eliminate starch and talc particles from an injection solution.
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Biography
Lenneke Keijzer has a Master of Science degree in the field of biology. She has worked for 3 years at a syringe exchange program in the North district of Paris where she was responsible for the development and evaluation of a "crack smoking prevention tool" and in charge of a field research on difficulties for crack-cocaine users to get into contact with social and medical services. Subsequently, she worked for 2 years at a new treatment centre for crack users where she was in charge of the evaluation of the therapeutic tools used. At Apothicom, she is implicated in several activities, such as field studies, laboratory studies, a project on the distribution of Sterifilt in cooperation with needle exchange programs and pharmacists, the development of new harm reduction tools.
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