Title
B-D Yale Glass Insulin Syringe (Short Type)
Author
B-D
Image
Description
This is a vintage B-D Yale glass insulin syringe, a 1cc luer tip model manufactured by Becton, Dickinson and Company of Rutherford, New Jersey. The packaging specifies it was designed for use with U-80 strength insulin only, with a green-coded scale for measurement accuracy. The syringe is contained in its original cardboard box and styrofoam insert, accompanied by an insert pamphlet labeled “Insulin Users!” promoting the convenience of disposable syringes, needles, and swabs.
Condition
The box shows age-related wear and discoloration, but remains intact. The syringe itself is in excellent condition, with legible green markings and no visible cracks or chips.
Gallery
Historical context
Prior to the widespread adoption of disposable plastic syringes in the 1960s–70s, glass syringes like this were the standard for insulin administration. They required sterilization after each use, typically by boiling or chemical disinfectants. The shift toward disposable devices was marketed heavily as a matter of convenience, hygiene, and travel safety for people with diabetes. The inclusion of U-40 and U-80 markings reflects an earlier era before standardization on U-100 insulin concentrations.
Curious Facts, Ephemera, and Trivia
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Early insulin syringes were often sold in boxed kits with multiple needles, alcohol swabs, and carrying cases.
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Color-coding of scales (red for U-40, green for U-80) helped reduce dosage errors.
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Ads in the 1950s–60s targeted insulin users with slogans like “Ready to use for travel, vacations, and emergencies.”
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Collectors value complete kits with box, insert, and pamphlets as medical advertising ephemera.
Excerpt
“Disposable Syringes with Needles featuring color-coded single scales — Red for U-40, Green for U-80. Ready to use for everyday use, travel, vacations, emergencies.” — Becton Dickinson promotional insert, ca. mid-20th century.
Why it is in the Cabinet
This insulin syringe represents a transitional moment in medical history, when glass syringes gave way to disposables. It captures both the evolving technology of diabetes care and the advertising strategies used to reassure patients of safety, ease, and reliability.
Support Dr. Bebout’s Cabinet of Medical Curiosities
If you enjoy the history, the oddities, and the effort, help keep this cabinet open. Every little bit helps preserve and share the strange wonders of medicine’s past.
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