Needles

---

HealthWiki > Where There Is No Dentist > Chapter 7: Treating Some Common Problems > Needles

---

In this chapter:

 

In this chapter:

Syringes and needles that have not been sterilized can spread infections such as hepatitis or HIV.

Reusable syringes and disposable syringes

Reusable syringes can be used again and again because they can be taken apart for cleaning and are strong enough to be sterilized. Reusable syringes make less waste and can save money, but they must be cleaned and sterilized after every use.

Disposable syringes are made to be thrown out after one use (in a disposal box). They cannot be sterilized again. Disposable syringes can be disinfected and reused, but we do not recommend doing this because a syringe that has only been disinfected can still spread infections, including hepatitis and HIV. Reusing one should only be done when someone’s life is in danger.

How to wash and disinfect a disposable syringe and needle: To most safely reuse a disposable syringe, wash and disinfect it right after using it and again right before you reuse it. This makes it less likely to spread infection, but does not prevent it completely. Wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts and germs. Pour clean water into 2 cups, and full-strength bleach into a third cup. Draw clean water from one cup through the needle into the syringe. Shake or tap the syringe for at least 30 seconds to loosen anything stuck inside (take care not to stick yourself with the needle). Squirt the water into a sink or bowl, not back into the water cup. Repeat step 3 until water in the syringe is clear (no blood). Draw full-strength bleach from its cup through the needle into the syringe. Shake or tap the syringe for at least 30 seconds to loosen anything stuck inside. Squirt out the bleach into a bowl or sink. Repeat step 3, but with water from the second clean water cup.

This page was updated:18 Sep 2024