[Rosie2]

Does anyone know of an article which describes any objective measures used to measure the sharpness of injection needles? Several of my nursing peers feel that the sharpness of a needle is compromised when pushed though a med vial stopper and then used to inject the patient. Therefore, they change the needle. I am not certain that this is necessary and would like some facts.

[caroladybelle]

Either AJN or Nursing 2003 within the last few monthes showed microscopic detailed pictures of a fresh needle, the one that was used once , twice and then three times.

The amount of damage to it was astounding.

Please change out your needles.

[Rosie2]

Thanks for the response! However, I am still looking for the specific changes after puncturing a rubber, or rubberlike material.

[NightNurseKathy]

[b]Good grief!!!
I have worked for 34 years as a nurse, and have drawn solutions from the med vials all that time, and the mere THOUGHT of changing the NEEDLE AFTERWARDS is NUTS.... I am SO busy MOST nights, I just would not have the time to change that many needles . I can't imagine that the damage is enough to cause any problems for anyone. I mean , seems like we would HEAR of ALOT of problems all these years... WHERE are those reports???

[jax]

I use a larger guage needle when drawing up antibiotics \ meds and always change the needle to a smaller guage when administering. Have never thought about not changing it. ouch. Are your antibiotics premixed? Or your technique different? jax

[Rosie2]

The issue is not drawing up with a larger needle for efficiency reasons, but whether using a smaller gauge needle for both would dull the needle. The jury is still out.

[sixes]

I have changed needles after drawing up antibiotics. I would never do this on a regulat basis. If this is so that there is such damage What about insulin injections???
This has my curiosity going

[Rosie2]

That's true - changing needles after giving both insulin and TB skin tests is problematic, and is not done. The bottom line is: does the rubber in a stopper dull the needle. I think that the only way to tell would be a microscopic study of the needle itself, and I can't seem to find one.

[purplemania]

Insulin is not injected IM, so that makes a difference (to the patient). I change out needles too, because it seems like a kind thing to do for the patient. Thank goodness most of pedi meds are IV in needleless systems!

[Anniekins]

I can understand that you would like to see some research about the FACT...vs. opinion/just how people do it. Thats the basis for evidence based nursing practice, and I am would like to see some research in this area as well.
Personally, I change the needles, b/c I feel it dulls, but if there were research proving otherwise, I'd save time and the hospital money. Until then, I take the time to change the needle for the patients sake.