subject: Hypodermic Needle - Dangers Of Hypodermic Needle Sticks [print this page] A hypodermic needle is a hollow needle that is specifically designed to penetrate into the body. These needles are largely used for medical purposes, though there are other uses for them as well. These needles are designed to either remove liquids from the body or to add liquids into the body. For example, a doctor might use this needle to administer a vaccination or a medical treatment, or a nurse may use such a needle to remove blood for a blood test. Because these needles are so sharp, there are inherent dangers involved in their use. It is important to consider the dangers of hypodermic needle sticks.
The first danger of using a hypodermic needle is the straightest forward. These needles cause puncture wounds, and so using them incorrectly can cause harm to the body. Whoever is using the needle absolutely must know what they are doing in order to effectively administer tests and treatments using this type of hollow needle. If the needle is used improperly, the person receiving the injection can become injured. It is vitally important that this be considered in medical settings and other settings where such a needle is used, such as in administering insulin to a diabetic patient in the home or taking a blood test in a hospital setting.
Although using a hypodermic needle is supposed to be beneficial to everyone involved, a needle stick injury can actually introduce harmful microorganisms or materials into the body from the skin as well as contaminants from the environment. The needle may be contaminated or the needle bore may be contaminated, and as such, a simple needle stick can contribute to an illness or infection that was not intended. Many different things can contaminate a needle, including bodily fluids and human blood if the needle is not properly sterilized prior to use.
Proper use of every single hypodermic needle is vitally important. Whether you are a patient administering insulin to yourself or a nurse administering a medication to a patient, using a clean and sterilized needle is necessary. There is no reason for why you should not first sterilize a needle prior to using it, and this very simple task can have a profoundly positive effect on preventing infections and the transfer of microorganisms and other potential threats. There are dangers to using these needles, but they can be avoided with some basic safety prevention precautions.
