Examination of Surface Conditions and Other Physical Properties of Commonly Used Stainless Steel Acupuncture Needles

Abstract

ObjectivesThe present work examined the surface conditions and various other physical properties of sterilised single-use stainless steel acupuncture needles from two of the most popular brands widely used in many countries.MethodsScanning electron microscope (SEM) images were taken for 10 randomly chosen needles from each brand. Further SEM images were taken after each of these needles underwent a standard manipulation with an acupuncture needling practice gel. A comparison of forces and torques during the needling process was also carried out.ResultsThe SEM images revealed significant surface irregularities and inconsistencies at the needle tips, especially for needles from one of the two brands. Metallic lumps and small, loosely attached pieces of material were observed on the surfaces of some needles. Some of the lumps and pieces of material seen on the needle surfaces disappeared after the acupuncture manipulation. If these needles had been used on patients, the metallic lumps and small pieces of material could have been deposited in human tissues, which could have caused adverse events such as dermatitis. Malformed needle tips might also cause other adverse effects including bleeding, haematoma/bruising, or strong pain during needling. An off-centre needle tip could result in the needle altering its direction during insertion and consequently failing to reach the intended acupuncture point or damaging adjacent tissues.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the need for improved quality control of acupuncture needles, with a view to further enhancing the safety and comfort of acupuncture users.

Injection‐site lesion prevalence and potential risk factors in UK beef cattle

“…Using broken or blunt needles increases the chance of causing tissue trauma, resulting in a greater inflammatory reaction (Xie and others 2014). Not changing needles or not employing aseptic techniques increases the chance of transferring pathogens between animals and ISL formation (Niskanen and Lindberg 2003), which is particularly relevant where vaccination is being used for a whole herd.…”

Placebo Devices as Effective Control Methods in Acupuncture Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review

“…The use of acupuncture dates back as far as 1700BC from ancient China [ 1 ] and is currently an internationally used treatment option. In 2003, the World Health Organisation published a review and analysis of clinical controlled trials on acupuncture for a number of conditions [ 2 ] and recently there has been increasing attention in researching acupuncture needles [ 3 – 5 ]. Despite the frequent and wide utilisation, clinical trials have yielded conflicting results regarding the benefit of acupuncture [ 6 ].…”

Suppurative Injection Site lesion In Cattle: Clinico-biochemical, Ultrasonographic and histopathological examinations

“…Additionally, incorrect intramuscular injections of the gluteal or biceps femoris muscles may cause sciatic nerve paralysis which is most commonly seen in young animals [22]. Also usage of broken or blunt needles increases the chance of causing tissue trauma, causing a greater inflammatory reaction [23]. Clinical findings of the examined animals were similar to that…”

“…Muscle enzymes are sensitive indicators of muscle cell damage. Although serum elevations of serum AST, ALT and LDH can be seen in many myopathic and other diseases, elevation of creatine kinase(CK) level is thought to be the most sensitive laboratory test result related to skeletal muscle damage [23,27] Fibrinogen level was significantly higher in both diseased groups, but it is highly elevated in suppurative myositis group. Fibrinogen is commonly measured in bovine species as it is the best indicator of inflammatory reactions because fibrinogen concentrations often increase prior to leucocytes alterations [28,29].…”