As a core tool in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture therapy, the daily care of acupuncture needles directly affects the safety of clinical use, the stability of therapeutic effects, and the lifespan of the instrument. A scientific care process not only prevents the spread of pathogenic microorganisms but also maintains the needle's performance and reduces operational risks. These are fundamental guidelines that medical institutions and practitioners must strictly adhere to.
Daily care of acupuncture needles should begin with the storage and management of the needles. Unused needles should be stored in their original sealed packaging in a cool, dry, and light-protected environment, avoiding contact with corrosive chemicals or sharp objects to prevent damage or contamination. The warehouse or storage area should be regularly checked for temperature and humidity to prevent metal parts from rusting or plastic handles from aging. For reusable needles, the quantity and batch should be categorized and recorded, adhering to a first-in, first-out system to avoid using expired or damaged products.
Cleaning and disinfection are core aspects of care. Disposable sterile needles are for single use only. After use, they should be immediately sealed and disposed of according to medical waste management regulations; reuse is strictly prohibited. For reusable needles resistant to high temperatures and pressures, immediately after use, rinse under running water to remove surface blood and tissue residue, followed by enzymatic washing or ultrasonic cleaning to thoroughly decompose organic matter. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with purified water to avoid detergent residue. Sterilization can be performed using high-pressure steam sterilization, ethylene oxide gas sterilization, or low-temperature plasma sterilization conforming to national standards, strictly adhering to sterilization parameters and cycles. After sterilization, the needles should be stored in a sterile container, clearly labeled with the sterilization date and expiration date, ensuring use within the expiration period.
Pre-use inspection is a crucial step to ensure safety. Operators must unpack the package under sterile conditions to check if the needle body is straight, the needle tip is intact, and the connection between the needle handle and body is secure. If the needle body is bent, rusty, cracked, or the needle tip is blunted, it should be discarded immediately and not used. During operation, avoid direct contact with the needle body with your hands; hold the needle only at the handle to prevent contamination and slippage.
The principle of aseptic technique during operation is an extension of nursing care. Practitioners must strictly adhere to hand hygiene practices, wearing sterile gloves or disinfecting their hands thoroughly. Disinfect the skin using disposable sterile cotton balls according to standardized procedures, ensuring the needles are completely dry before insertion. Needles must be exchanged between different patients, and new needles should be used when changing acupoints on the same patient to prevent cross-infection.
Post-use disposal must be timely and standardized. Disposable needles should be collected as hazardous medical waste, placed in puncture-proof containers, and centrally disposed of by a qualified unit. Reusable needles should be handled according to the aforementioned cleaning and disinfection procedures, and sterilization details should be recorded for traceability. Work areas should be cleaned and disinfected daily, and work surfaces and instrument storage cabinets should be kept clean to prevent secondary contamination.
Regular training and the implementation of established procedures are essential for ensuring quality nursing care. Institutions should develop procedures for the use and care of acupuncture needles, clearly define responsibilities, and regularly organize training and assessments to strengthen aseptic techniques and safety awareness. Only by integrating routine nursing care into every aspect can the dual advantages of acupuncture needles in terms of efficacy and safety be ensured, providing a solid foundation for the standardized implementation of traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture therapy.
