A detection device (2) configured to assist injection of a media (4, 26) is intended for assisting injection of a media (4, 26) by using a hypodermic syringe (16) having a needle (10) attached to a needle hub (14). The detection device (2) includes a device (6, 8, 54, 56, 56&prime, 60) for identifying the characteristics of the media (4, 26) entering the needle head (14) or being present in the needle head (14). The detection device (2) may include a light source (6) configured to irradiate the needle head (14) with light a light detection member (8) adapted to detect light (12) emitted from the light source (6), and a control unit configured to identify the characteristics of the media (4) entering the needle head (14) on the basis of light detected by the detection section (8). An auto-injection device (64) including a detection device (2) is also disclosed.
