Sterilization and disinfection of a needle are two different procedures. Disinfection kills most bacteria and contaminants, while sterilization kills any microorganisms. If you need to sterilize a needle, be sure to take extra care to keep it pristine until you use it.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Preparations
Step 1. Put on gloves
Before touching the needle you need to put on a pair of gloves. If you can't get them, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly.
Step 2. Get some sterile material
When sterilizing needles you need to make sure you don't contaminate them after the procedure.
- Use sterilized forceps or spoons to grasp the needles inserted into any device. Do not touch them with your hands or gloves as soon as you have performed the treatment, as you could contaminate them again.
- Put the needle in a sterile container if you need to store it.
Step 3. Wash it
Before sterilizing it you need to make sure it is washed. In this way, you eliminate all traces of dirt, residues or blood left on the needle. This is an extremely important step if the needle has been used first.
You must make sure to clean the inside of the needle if it is hollow. Use a clean or sterilized syringe and run some soapy water inside
Step 4. Rinse the needle
After washing it with a soap or disinfectant, you need to rinse it with sterile water. Make sure it is sterile and non-distilled water, as the latter can still contain bacteria. It is important to rinse it off to avoid deposits from the previous wash.
Part 2 of 2: Sterilize the Needle
Step 1. Use steam
This is one of the most popular and effective methods of sterilizing needles. To put it into action you can use a pressure cooker set at 1 kg / cm2. Leave the needle in the pressure cooker respecting the following temperatures and times:
- 116 ° C for 30 minutes.
- 121 ° C for 15 minutes.
- 127 ° C for 10 minutes.
- 135 ° C for 3 minutes.
- You can perform the same method by replacing the pressure cooker with a steamer. Put some water in the lower pot. When it starts to boil, place the needle in the basket with the holes and close with a lid. Let the steam work for at least 20 minutes.
- An autoclave is a specific tool for steam sterilization of needles and other tools. If you need to sterilize needles often and thoroughly, you should consider purchasing one.
Step 2. Cook the needle
Wrap it in several layers of a clean cloth and place it in the oven for 1 hour at 170 ° C.
- This method allows you to completely sterilize the needle by killing all microorganisms. Make sure you leave it in the oven long enough. You can follow this procedure to sterilize needles used for acupuncture, for medical use, and for piercings and tattoos.
- Keep in mind that dry heat can make needles more brittle.
Step 3. Use fire
A gas-fired fire is more suitable because it leaves less residue. Place the tip of the needle over the flame until it turns red.
- This method is recommended for home use of the needle, but does not allow complete sterilization, because the needle may later be contaminated by other harmful agents present in the air.
- If any soot or carbon deposits remain, clean the needle with a sterile gauze.
- This method is effective if you need to remove a splinter from your skin, but it is not the most sterile. Therefore, it is not recommended for piercings, tattoos, or medical uses.
Step 4. Boil the needle in boiling water
This is another effective way to sterilize it. If necessary, you can also pour boiling water directly over it. This is a good method to use at home. However, keep in mind that it is not 100% effective. The boiling process does not guarantee to kill all microorganisms; some may live even after 20 hours of boiling.
- Boiling is effective on metals.
- Leave the needle in the water for 10 minutes. For more guarantees of killing all bacteria, cover the pot and boil for 30 minutes.
- This procedure should be used to sterilize a needle to remove a splinter from the skin or to perform a home cleaning treatment for jewelry, but it is not indicated for more delicate things such as sterilizing medical instruments or tools and jewelry in stores.
Step 5. Use chemicals
The use of chemicals is another valid option. Soak the needle in the solution for at least 20 minutes, unless it is human alcohol. In this case, immerse the needle in the solution for a whole day. You can also wash the needle in the following chemicals:
- Denatured alcohol.
- Bleach. If the chlorine content is 5%, you can use pure bleach. If it's 10%, use 1 part bleach and 1 part water; if it's 15%, use 1 part bleach and 2 parts water.
- Hydrogen peroxide.
- Gin or vodka.
Warnings
- If you need to pop a blister, clean the needle after using the fire method, as the outer layer of the metal may have retained a black trace of soot that could infect the bubble.
- Avoid touching the tip of the needle after sterilizing it.
