Reusing Needles

[bear14]

There is a reason I am asking this. With the pen needles that you would use with the insulin pens, can they be reused? Or is it just a single use? I would think it's a single use. However, I saw a situation where it was told to a family that it is ok to reuse them. What do you think?

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

They are single use. However, I will say in the out-pt setting some diabetics do re-use needles since they can't afford enough. In reality if they aren't sharing needles there isn't a huge risk (still not ideal)

[loriangel14, RN]

I am diabetic and I have reused my own needles. I am not sharing them so I don't think it makes much difference.

[AmyRN303, BSN, RN]

There is increased risk of lipodystrophy and tissue trauma associated with reuse. I remember seeing a photo of reused needles when I was in school and hearing stories about needle tips breaking off after reuse....found this: http://www.bd.com/us/diabetes/download/Reuse_White_Paper.pdf HTH!

[bear14]

I am a diabetic too and I never reused my needles. I honestly never thought you could. When I was in school they beat the whole keeping needles sterile into our heads I guess it just translated over. Thanks for all your replies :)!

[loriangel14, RN]

Well it's just my lancets I reuse and only once. in the workplace would be a different matter.

[mrsboots87]

I can see not being able to afford the needles as a reason for home use patients to reuse, but I would highly discourage it. The needle is not as sharp after the first use, and is also no longer sterile and can be collecting pathogens after opened and used. To each their own I guess, but I go by the one time use only rule.