Single-use needles mandatory?

[Guest guest]

Hi Chris & All,

 

I wrote:

>> IMO, it is FAR more important to use STERILE SINGLE USE needles

(that are NOT re-used in another session) than to swab the skin. Prion

infection can withstand ASHING at 600 degrees centigrade! See:

http://www.pnas.org/cgi/reprint/97/7/3418.pdf I have pleaded on several AP

lists for a formal BAN by National Licensing Authorities on the re-use of

acupuncture needles. IMO, no acupuncturist should attempt to sterilise

used needles for reuse. <<

 

Chris replied:

> California passed a law last year mandating single-use of needles.

> Estimate was that even prior to that, something like 99% of

> practitioners were doing that.

 

I am delighted that California mandates that.

 

However, IMO, ALL states/countries should ban needle re-use, at least

BETWEEN (or across) patients. Unfortunately, some countries have NOT

done so.

 

Some AP colleagues argue that if CONVENTIONAL HOSPITALS/CLINICS

may " sterilise and re-use " medical instruments, acupuncturists should be

allowed the same rights, i.e. to clean, " sterilise " and re-use needles.

 

IMO, this is a great pity. We will lose a public relations coup, whereby we

could say loud and clear to the public: " we will not take ANY risk of cross-

contamination of our patients by re-using needles " .

 

IMO, ALL AP Licensing bodies should enforce that principle, and strike off

any practitioner who is convicted of reusing needles between patients.

 

Best regards,