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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Handling Used Needle Of Glucometer Harmful?

Hi. I was replacing the used needle of the gluco meter which is being used by my father in law who had a urine infection 3 weeks back. He has been treated for that though is still on some antibiotics. Do I need to do something? I have been by this needle very mildly.
Fri, 11 Jul 2014
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Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Thank you for the query.
Handling of used needle should be done with utmost care (it is considered under Universal precautions). Used needles should never be recapped (which causes the maximum number of pricks). Ideally used needles should be disposed by needle cutters, but these are not always available at home.
I would also like to know how deep your prick was (i.e. did you bleed yourself?). Immediately after the prick, you should wash your hands properly with a soap. (do not put the punctured finger in your mouth). If your father in law is suffering from any disease which can be transmitted by blood and blood products (haematological transmission), like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV, then the need for concern arises. In that case I would advise you to consult your physician. I don't think it will be a need for concern if he is suffering from Urinary tract infection. However, in future, please use a proper handcare to handle these sharp objects.
Hope that helps you.
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Is Handling Used Needle Of Glucometer Harmful?

Thank you for the query. Handling of used needle should be done with utmost care (it is considered under Universal precautions). Used needles should never be recapped (which causes the maximum number of pricks). Ideally used needles should be disposed by needle cutters, but these are not always available at home. I would also like to know how deep your prick was (i.e. did you bleed yourself?). Immediately after the prick, you should wash your hands properly with a soap. (do not put the punctured finger in your mouth). If your father in law is suffering from any disease which can be transmitted by blood and blood products (haematological transmission), like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV, then the need for concern arises. In that case I would advise you to consult your physician. I don t think it will be a need for concern if he is suffering from Urinary tract infection. However, in future, please use a proper handcare to handle these sharp objects. Hope that helps you.