What Are The Precautions When Using An Injection Needle? (Ostomy Patients)

With the evolution of bacteria such as the outbreak of Coronavirus in many countries recently, it is vital always to take a step ahead in prevention. For ostomy patients and healthcare professionals, you might recall days of getting instructions from a doctor or a surgeon regarding the use of needles. Why are injection needles risky for health? The seemingly simple medical tool can contain hundreds if not thousands of germs in one syringe or needle. Infection is one of the worst enemies of healthcare providers, specifically if contamination does not have a solution. Furthermore, only get anti-wrinkle injections from trusted clinics to avoid any risks in your body. What other precautions are you aware of? Take a look at this article to find more about injection needle safety for ostomy patients.

What Is An Injection Needle Used For?

Many medical fields need the use of needles for many reasons. In general, this medical item aids in giving a liquid form of medicine for the patient. Many vaccines also need syringes and needles as well. IV insertion and blood transfusion are also one of the standard medical purposes of these needles. On the other hand, ostomy management also has its guidelines for these items. Nurses and health aids use these needles to safely prick the stoma for cleaning and removal of excess substances and prepare the skin for scrubbing. Also, needle pricking will help prevent the complications in the stoma and stool stuck in the body.

What Are The Safety Tips When Using These Items?

When it comes to safety, you must get the best guidelines from medical authorities and researchers of infection prevention. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the cause of outbreaks is from healthcare practitioners without the right management of the practice. Hence, these safety tips need reiteration so that even the patients can become aware of the correct injection use.  

Single-Use And One Patient-Use Items

Many individuals already know the fact that most needles and syringes are for single-use purposes only. However, bear in mind that syringe bottles and medicine should also be for one patient as well. Don’t share these items with multiple patients to also avoid any contamination.

Sterilization of the Medical Tools

Apart from the single-use needles and syringes, there are also other medical equipment and tools that patient use every day. Contamination is not just for one item only, but can also spread everywhere. Counters, trays, dishes, and other surface areas need sterilization and disinfection. Besides, surgical tools such as wire cutters, scalpels, surgical cutters, and others need proper autoclave sterilization.

Determine The Necessity Of Using An Injection Needle

Some patients do not necessarily require a vaccine or an injection for medication right away. Malpractice of using this item due to money-making schemes and other practices are unethical. Likewise, the doctor or nurse must give the right injection needle at the right time. Some patients with health concerns like kidney dialysis, ileostomy or urology issues can use needles as a way to function correctly. If your patient can take tablets or liquid forms of medicines, it is preferable to use those instead. 

Dispose of Your Trash Properly

Among these best practices, remember to also throw any toxic wastes or substance in the correct disposal bin. Some infections can also spread when wastes do not have the proper segregation. When disposing of needles and syringes, check if the medical facility has specific disposal containers. Community guidelines may differ depending on the area. Additionally, don’t eliminate needles in public places. Some countries also have special days to pick up medical wastes.