Consumer Guide to Diabetes Products

Insulin syringes

Two brands of Insulin syringes are available as subsidised items. These are the ABM and B-D ranges available in various sizes and with different sized needles.

Your doctor can obtain subsidy for 100 syringes on any one prescription; provided either that insulin is prescribed on the same prescription or the prescription is endorsed as being for a patient using insulin. Your doctor can if he/she thinks it is necessary write more than one prescription. Or syringes in excess of the subsidy can be purchased through a pharmacy, from Diabetes Supplies Limited or from some Diabetes Societies.

Size of syringe and needle will be influenced by patient preference. Patients who use syringes more than once may prefer a stronger (lower gauge number) needle. If the syringe is being used for a young child the finer, shorter (31 gauge, 8 mm) needle may be preferred.

As insulin strength in NZ is all 100 IU/ml a 0.3 ml syringe is adequate for doses of up to 30 units.

Patients who mix insulins in the syringe may prefer a larger (0.5ml or 1.0 ml) to allow for ease of mixing.

Marketing Name Available sizes Presentation Availability
 ABM  0.3 ml with 29 gauge 12.7mm needle  Packs of 100  Fully subsidized to a maximum of 100 needles per prescription if prescribed on the same form as the one used for the supply of insulin of if endorsed as being for a patient using insulin.
 0.3 ml with 31 gauge 8mm needle
 0.5 ml with 29 gauge 12.7mm needle
 0.5 ml with 31 gauge 8mm needle
 1 ml with 29 gauge 12.7mm needle
 1 ml with 31 gauge 8mm needle
B-D Ultra-Fine1 0.3ml with 29 gauge 12.7mm 10 packs of 10 syringes in a box of 100 Fully subsidised to a maximum of 100 syringes per prescription if prescribed on the same form as the one used for the supply of insulin or if endorsed as being for a patient using insulin.
0.5ml with 29 gauge 12.7mm needles
1.0ml with 29 gauge 12.7mm needles
B-D Ultra-Fine II 0.3ml with 31 gauge 8mm needles 10 packs of 10 syringes in a box of 100 Fully subsidised to a maximum of 100 needles per prescription if prescribed on the same form as the one used for the supply of insulin or if endorsed as being for a patient using insulin.
0.5ml with 31 gauge 8mm needles
1.0ml with 31 gauge 8mm needles


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  1. For details on BD syringes and needles available in NZ contact Becton Dickinson Toll Free 0800 572 468.

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