diff --git a/code/modules/reagents/reagent_containers/syringes.dm b/code/modules/reagents/reagent_containers/syringes.dm
index f4a4919919..62ea18dcd9 100644
--- a/code/modules/reagents/reagent_containers/syringes.dm
+++ b/code/modules/reagents/reagent_containers/syringes.dm
@@ -156,7 +156,7 @@
 /obj/item/reagent_containers/syringe/update_icon()
 	cut_overlays()
 	var/rounded_vol
-	if(reagents.total_volume)
+	if(reagents && reagents.total_volume)
 		rounded_vol = CLAMP(round((reagents.total_volume / volume * 15),5), 1, 15)
 		var/image/filling_overlay = mutable_appearance('icons/obj/reagentfillings.dmi', "syringe[rounded_vol]")
 		filling_overlay.color = mix_color_from_reagents(reagents.reagent_list)