Reusing sub-q supplies?

Jenk · Aug 4, 2010

I'vealways used a new syringe,18-ga. needle (to draw fluid into the syringe) and 21-ga. needle/butterfly catheter (to inject the fluid).

Since this method gets rather pricey, I'm wondering if it's possible to reuse the same syringe and 18-ga. needle for multiple sub-Q administrations?

Thank you,

Jenk

suburbanfarmer · Aug 4, 2010

No.

Do not reuse the needles. You can cause an infection by introducing bacteria under the skin.

I am a vet tech and know that it can be pricey, but it can get more pricey if you cause an infection.

Jenk · Aug 4, 2010

suburbanfarmer wrote:

No.

Do not reuse the needles. You can cause an infection by introducing bacteria under the skin.

I am a vet tech and know that it can be pricey, but it can get more pricey if you cause an infection.

To reiterate: I'm not talking about reusing needles that are inserted into the skin. I'm talking about reusingan 18-ga. needle (a few times)that's solely used to draw the sub-Q fluids into the luer-locksyringe. (I attach a 21-ga. butterfly catheter to inject the fluid.)

You didn't mention if the syringe(a luer-lockone)can be reused.

tonyshuman · Aug 4, 2010

I wouldn't do it because the syringe and needle are sterile before you take them out of the packaging and get exposed to stuff that can make them not sterile as soon as they are out of their packaging. Even breathing on them can get bacteria on them, which can then travel into the entire fluid bag, or be inside the syringe and go with the liquid into the bunny.

Jenk · Aug 5, 2010

tonyshuman wrote:

I wouldn't do it because the syringe and needle are sterile before you take them out of the packaging and get exposed to stuff that can make them not sterile as soon as they are out of their packaging. Even breathing on them can get bacteria on them, which can then travel into the entire fluid bag, or be inside the syringe and go with the liquid into the bunny.

Good points. That all said, I won't reuse anything. But I do need to find a less expensive source of sub-Q supplies ('cause purchasing them piecemeal from the vet's office is to steep).