Could reusing skin test needles cause infection?

Under normal circumstances, reusing skin test needles may lead to infection; however, repeated use will not cause infection if thorough disinfection and sterilization are performed. The detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Yes, infection may occur

Reusing skin test needles increases the risk of infection. After use, skin test needles may retain tiny residues of blood or bodily fluids. If reused, these contaminated needles could transmit pathogens to other individuals, leading to infections. Moreover, repeatedly used needles may become dull or even damaged, which can cause pain and bleeding. It is recommended to discard skin test needles immediately after single use and to use a new needle for each subsequent skin test. Selecting appropriate skin test needles is also important—high-quality, sterile needles should be chosen, and they must be used strictly according to the manufacturer's instructions. If any signs of infection appear or if there is concern about infection risk, medical evaluation should be sought promptly.

2. No, infection may not occur

If skin test needles undergo thorough disinfection and sterilization before reuse, the transmission of infectious agents such as bacteria and viruses can be prevented. Proper disinfection and sterilization methods effectively kill pathogenic microorganisms on the needle surface, reducing contamination and the risk of spreading infections. Commonly used disinfectants include alcohol, ultraviolet light, high-temperature steam, and ethylene oxide, while sterilization methods include high-pressure steam sterilization, dry heat sterilization, and chemical sterilization. Appropriate disinfection and sterilization techniques should be selected based on the type of pathogen, instrument characteristics, and usage context, with strict adherence to established protocols and standards.

In addition, using high-quality, sterile equipment is also crucial. If any symptoms of infection occur or if there is suspicion of infection risk, timely medical evaluation is necessary.