How to Sterilize Hypodermic Needles

Improperly sterilized hypodermic needles carry a significant risk of infection from bacterial, fungal or viral microorganisms. Unlike disinfection, which reduces microorganisms to safe levels, sterilization destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores. Sterilization procedures are primarily used industrially and in hospitals, and are generally not appropriate for home use.

Radiation

• A common industrial method for sterilizing needles and other medical equipment is to vacuum-pack them and expose them to radiation. The vacuum provides a physical barrier to recontamination. Because this process can damage materials, it is normally appropriate only for the initial sterilization of medical equipment.

Heat

• The most common method of sterilization is to expose hypodermic needles or other surgical equipment to heat. Dry heat is occasionally used, but this can be a lengthy and only marginally effective process. Wet heat provides quicker and more consistent results.

  Wet heat sterilization is most often carried out in a piece of equipment called an autoclave, which uses pressurized steam to achieve sterilization. According to Dr. R. Skilton of the Bristol Royal Infirmary, autoclaving is the most practical method for sterilizing needles.

Chemical Sterilization

• Exposing needles to sterilizing chemicals is another way of killing bacterial and fungal cells. This is known as chemical sterilization. Ethelyne oxide is a colorless, toxic gas and the most commonly used chemical sterilizing agent. This method has the advantage of being effective against all microorganisms and carrying no risk of damage to the needle, but it can take up to a day to complete and is also relatively expensive. Formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde and peracetic acid are other common sterilizing agents.