Mini Sterile Kit

Although the Product Dimensions are stated (albeit slightly incorrectly), I wasn't really prepared for how small this excellent kit would be. More accurate dimensions might be 12cm x 4cm x 8.5cm (around 4½ins x 1½ins x 3ins), but that's still tiny! It's less than a handful - take a look at my photo. The kit's contents don't seem to be fully stated anywhere, so I've added a photo of them and here's a list of how much is in the little red pack: - 1 x pair of large vinyl examination gloves - 2 x hygienic cleansing wipes - 1 x 5ml syringe - 2 x 2ml syringes - 1 x 19G 1½", 1.1 x 40mm hypodermic needle* - 2 x 21G 1½" Nr.2, 0.8 x 40mm hypodermic needles* - 2 x 23G 1¼" Nr.14, 0.6 x 30mm hypodermic needles* - 1 x scalpel (with a thumb-sized handle) *I've no idea what all numbers mean, but guess there are different uses and that a medical practitioner given the kit would know which one was needed. All the above are in individual sterile packaging. Most have an expiry date on them - mine, received in January 2013, showed early-2017 dates so should be okay for the next four years at least. They're mostly made in Spain (the scalpel in India) and the outer packaging of some conveniently carries details of the contents in more than one language. There's also a little sterility information card and a primary care guide. The latter, in English and French, gives guidance on what you should do in an emergency - I suggest you and your travelling companions read it beforehand, just in case! You should carry this kit on or about your person while abroad - it's small and light enough for your pocket, camera bag or handbag. Whatever you do, don't leave it in your hotel room! Also, I'd strongly recommend that you don't put it in your cabin luggage on flights - it contains hypodermic needles and is likely to be confiscated by security staff. My final recommendation: buy it - but hope you don't need to use it! UPDATE 12 AUGUST 2017: As some of the sterile items have just passed their expiry date, I ordered another kit and the needles and syringes are now valid for another 4 years. The list of contents is the same as it was in 2013. I've added some steristrips and a few sticky plasters for non-serious injuries and there's still room in the little red bag for some painkillers! A further reminder that you risk having this kit confiscated by security if taking it in your hand luggage on flights. Put in in your big suitcase in the hold, then move it to your everday handbag or camera bag when out and about overseas. Oh, and don't leave it in your hotel room.

Took to Madagascar along with a larger kit. This is really small so goes in any daybag easily

Perfect for emergencies whilst travelling abroad

Good kit

Just nice to know you have this kit if you travel to places where the availability of sterile items might be doubtful. Nice and small and lightweight so easy to carry with you everywhere - and please do, even if just visiting the local market, you never know when an accident might occur and the kit is no use to you if kept at hotel, but for a woman a big handbag will hold this easily with everything else, and for a man, will not add much weight to a backpack. I would take it everywhere, you never know in this day and age, you might be in a great country but they have a disaster or epidemic and sterilised equiptment is in great demand, so by having your own there is no strain on the health resources and you have peace of mind knowing bloods can be taken, injections given, even a small operation done with your own sterile equipment.

Luckily never needed to use this but a handy small kit in case ever necessary.

It had been recommended that I take a sterile pack of needles and syringes in case of emergency as I am visiting an under- developed country. I was surprised at how small the pack is but that's great-as it is to be carried with me at all times until it is needed- and then it is to be handed over to a health professional. As it is to remain sealed -only then will I know whether it is a good product!

solid choice of kit for overseas travel and longer treks