Following recent posts in the Facebook discussion group about using acupuncture needles after their expiration date, we have chosen to highlight some of the main points to refresh procedures and implement them in your treatment room. We hope you find this document helpful.
Purchasing Needles:
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It is recommended to purchase needles only from a reliable source (due to counterfeits).
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Pay attention to the expiration date, sterility, needle sharpness, flexibility, coating, and suitability for the intended population.
“Sanitation”:
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Wash your hands before and after each patient.
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Maintain a sterile environment for the needles and other related accessories.
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Be sure to clean the treatment area with sterile cleaning agents before each patient.
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Change the paper/non-woven fabric on the treatment bed after each patient.
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Needle use is for single use only.
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It is strictly forbidden to reuse needles due to the risk of various infections.
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The same applies to guides. Do not use the same guide for more than one patient.
Additional Safety Precautions:
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Check the needles before insertion.
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It is advisable to check the expiration date and the integrity of the packaging (air or water penetration into the package or needle may cause it to be defective).
Injury:
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If you have any wound on your hands, it’s important to wear gloves or cover the wound area with a bandage.
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Got pricked by a needle after removing it from a patient? Consult a doctor. Various viruses such as Hepatitis B, C, HIV, and others can put you and your patients at risk.
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In many cases, practitioners forget to remove needles from the patient’s body. One way is to write down all the acupuncture points and verify before ending the treatment that all needles have been removed.
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If a needle falls, it’s important to ensure it’s found. If not, you should report it to those who come after you in the clinic (including the cleaner).
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Waste disposal – Needles should be disposed of in a standard bin only.
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It’s important to dispose of the needles with the tip facing downwards and into the bin.
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The bin should be kept in a high place out of reach of patients in general and children in particular.
Guidelines for Preventing Needle Sticking / Correct Practitioner Response if a Needle Gets Stuck
- Check each needle before insertion to rule out manufacturing defects.
- Never insert a needle all the way to its handle.
- Insert the needles to the correct depth and using the correct technique.
- Instruct the patient to lie in a comfortable and relaxed position that doesn’t require unnecessary movements during treatment.
- If a needle gets stuck after turning to one side, try turning it to the other side.
- Perform gentle stimulation / lightly tap with your finger near the area where the needle is stuck
- Leave the stuck needle without moving it for a few minutes… and try to remove it again.
- Do not use force and try to pull out the needle as it may cause further contraction of the tissues in the puncture area.
Tried everything without success? Make sure to refer the patient for appropriate medical treatment.
Guidelines for Preventing Fainting During Acupuncture (Especially First Treatment)
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Instruct the patient to lie on their back with knees slightly raised for the first treatment.
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Explain the process they are about to undergo to the patient in detail.
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Instruct the patient to eat one to two hours before any acupuncture session.
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Perform as few manipulations with the needles as possible in the first treatment.
Remember! The responsibility lies with all of us.
Avi Peled
Spokesperson, The Association