Needle exchanges are key to reducing transmission of bloodborne viruses (BBVs) in injecting drug users (IDUs) through the provision of sterile injecting equipment and related interventions. In the United Kingdom (UK), the extent and type of service provision by needle exchanges has received little attention. Information on the availability, use and coverage of harm reduction measures for IDUs is needed to help assess the effectiveness of existing, and inform the development of future, services. A national survey of needle exchange facilities was undertaken in 2005, and reports of the findings from Scotland have recently been released Scottish Executive. The National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA) has released summary finding from England and will shortly be publishing a report on the full findings ; results for Wales and Northern Ireland are not yet available. (Extrait)