Bariatric patients require whole new line of supplies.

For more permission information, see page 2. Syringe and needle prices rose modestly last year, as predicted, but are expected to decline this year, now that hospitals have progressed sufficiently in conversion to safety products. Even some of the pricier safety needles have begun to drop in price, while traditional models are continuing their previous declines, materials managers reported in the latest HMM price survey. About two-thirds of materials managers reported that their needle prices did not change during the past year. Hikes were modest Where prices increased, the hikes were modest, averaging 5%, compared with the 200% increases reported for some products last year. The wave of legislation in recent years requiring the use of safety devices led hospitals to fear drastic increases in the cost of needles and other sharps. But for the early adopters, once the new devices were in place, costs began to diminish as they usually do with new technology. New supplier entrants to the market included safety device makers who quickly went on the offensive, Needle prices inch downward By Paula DeJohn