Needle Sharpness

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2003

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 · Sep 17, 2003

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

NightNurseKathy · Oct 5, 2003

Good grief!!! :eek:

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 · Oct 6, 2003

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 · Oct 9, 2003

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 · Oct 9, 2003

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 · Oct 9, 2003

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, BSN, RN · Oct 10, 2003

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 · Oct 10, 2003

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.

Shellsie · Oct 10, 2003

if you stick a vial and pull out the med i really dont think it matters if its one puncture....i mean think about it..the patient is getting stuck with a needle regardless and its gonna be uncomfortable...i bet if there was study done comparing changed and nonchanged needles the person getting stuck wouldnt know the difference

(at our facility the insulin syringes have attached needles btw)

LuvsOB · Oct 10, 2003

I used to change the needle but now all of our syringes are those retractable kind and the needle doesn't come off.