| What it is | A syringe designed to disable or lock after one injection, preventing another injection with that syringe. | A durable injection device intended for repeated use with a new, compatible drug-contact component for each dose. | A syringe intended for one use, but without an automatic mechanism that disables it after injection. |
| What is reused? | Nothing. The complete syringe is discarded after use. | The injector body may be reused as directed. The syringe, needle, or cartridge is replaced as specified by the device instructions. | Nothing. The complete syringe is discarded after use. |
| How reuse is prevented | An internal feature may lock the plunger, break a component, or otherwise make the syringe unusable after the injection. | Reuse control depends on replacing the single-use drug-contact component and following the device’s cleaning and handling instructions. The injector body itself may not be single-use. | Reuse is prevented through safe-use procedures and disposal, not by an automatic lock or break mechanism. |
| Typical applications | Immunization and other settings where a one-injection syringe with an integrated reuse-prevention feature is appropriate. | Repeated self-injection or clinical dosing when a compatible reusable delivery device is specifically prescribed or supplied. | General injections where a conventional sterile, single-use syringe is suitable and reuse prevention is managed through procedure and disposal. |
| Dose and format | Available in different capacities and configurations. The correct size and graduation depend on the prescribed dose and intended use. | Device-specific. The compatible cartridge or syringe, dose range, and needle format must match the injector and medication instructions. | Available in many capacities, graduation styles, and needle configurations; selection depends on the dose and route of administration. |
| Main advantage | Combines a single-use design with a physical feature that helps prevent syringe reuse. | Allows the durable device body to be used for multiple doses while replacing the designated single-use component. | Offers a widely used, straightforward format in many sizes and configurations. |
| Important limitation | It cannot be used for another dose once its disabling feature has activated; a new sterile syringe is required. | It is not a reusable syringe: only the specifically designed device body may be reused. Compatibility, cleaning, and replacement instructions are device-specific. | It does not automatically disable after use. It must never be reused and should be disposed of in an appropriate sharps container. |
| Selection check | Confirm the intended dose, route, capacity, needle configuration, sterility, and applicable product instructions. | Confirm that the medication and disposable component are compatible with the injector, and follow the instructions for use for every dose. | Confirm the intended dose, route, capacity, needle configuration, and applicable product instructions; use a new sterile syringe for each injection. |