The retractable syringe has been developed to prevent the problem of needle stick injuries and the transfer of blood-borne diseases from used or contaminated syringes. In the developed world there are an estimated 1 million needle stick incidents a year among health care professionals, with a treatment cost of $6 billion. In the developing world re-use of needles is a lethal problem. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that about 1.3 million deaths a year are caused by re-use of needles, mainly due to Hepatitis B and C and HIV-AIDS.

The OMI Retractable Syringe is not the first or only retractable syringe to be developed. However the simplicity of its design and manufacture mean that it can be produced at the same price as a standard syringe. The only extra part compared to a standard syringe is the spring. The syringe was awarded an Australian Design Award and Powerhouse Museum Selection in 2004 for innovation in design.

In 2004 OMI was preparing to export this product to many countries around the world. Legislation to make safe syringes compulsory in the US health care system was expected to by fully implemented by 2007. The product represents an attempt by a small Australian company to break into a highly competitive international market.

In 1996 Bruce Kiehne was inspired to develop a retractable syringe after his brother-in-law suffered a needle stick injury. He gave up his job as a boilermaker to develop his idea for the new syringe. In 2000 Bruce formed OMI (Occupational and Medical Innovations Ltd) to raise the capital to get the product to market and in October 2000 the company was listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. A team of designers and engineers at OMI developed Bruce's idea and in 2001 the company announced its successful development of a low cost automatic retractable syringe.

In 2003 OMI signed an agreement with China Medical Group to manufacture the retractable syringe in China. In early 2004 the company was granted approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration to distribute the product in Australia.

In June 2004 OMI signed an agreement with Japan-based Terumo Medical Corp to distribute the syringes to the US, Mexico and Canada. At this time the company was in the process of seeking approval from the US Food and Drug Administration prior to distribution.

The syringes are non-sterile samples and have not been used. One syringe has been fully depressed to demonstrate the retracted position of the needle. When the plunger is fully depressed a firm push on the plunger causes the needle to automatically retract into the syringe. The needle is then locked inside the plunger rod and the needle hub and plunger seal are destroyed. The syringe is thus destroyed and cannot be re-used.

The OMI syringe was awarded an Australian Design Award and Powerhouse Museum Selection in 2004.

These syringes were displayed in the 2004 Australian Design Awards exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum.

Syringes (3) and packaging, 'OMI Retractable Syringe', plastic / metal/ paper, designed by Bruce Kiehne for Occupational & Medical Innovations Ltd, Brisbane, Queensland, 1996-2001, manufactured by China Medical Group, China, 2004

The three clear plastic 1mL syringes have orange covers over the needle. One syringe has been depressed and the needle is retracted inside the device. Printed on the outside of the needle are the OMI logo and measurement gradations. The packaging has been opened. On the back of the packaging are use instructions and two orange stickers with hand-written "non-sterile samples" and "non-sterile sample".

Designed: Kiehne, Bruce; Brisbane, Queensland; 1996 - 2001

Designed: Occupational & Medical Innovations Ltd; Brisbane, Queensland; 1996 - 2001

Made: China Medical Group; China; 2004

See description.

2004/142/1

1996 - 2001