Syringe exchange scheme- a system that enables drug misusers to swap old syringes and needles for new.Syringe exchange scheme have spread throughout Britain in the las ten years(rif. second edition of Dictionary of social work used here is dated 2002)as a response to Hiv/Aids. Schemes may be offered by pharmacies or drug agencies, whether statutory or voluntary. Schemes usually work on the basis of " new for old" with injectors bringing back used equipment in a sharp container. The service is confidential, perhaps with initials and numbers of syringes returned and given out collected for monitoring purposes. Such schemes are usually free.It is part of an overall Harm Minimisation or Harm Reduction programme designed to prevent the spread of the Hiv virus.