Name of the Procedure:

Needle, sterile, any size, each (A4215)
Common Names: Sterile needle, Hypodermic needle
Technical/Machine: Hypodermic needle (sterile)

Summary

A sterile needle is a single-use medical tool used for a variety of purposes, such as injecting medications, drawing blood, or administering fluids. It comes in various sizes depending on its intended use.

Purpose

Sterile needles are essential for ensuring that injections or blood draws are performed in a hygienic manner, reducing the risk of infection. The goals include accurate delivery of medications or obtaining uncontaminated blood samples.

Indications

Sterile needles are indicated for:

• Administering vaccinations
• Injecting medications (e.g., insulin)
• Drawing blood for diagnostic tests
• Administering intravenous fluids

Preparation

• Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab.
• Confirm the correct needle size for the intended purpose.
• Ensure all materials are sterile and properly packaged.

Procedure Description

1. Preparation: The healthcare provider gathers the necessary sterile needle and other related materials (e.g., medication vial).
2. Cleaning and Sanitizing: The injection or draw site is cleaned with an antiseptic wipe.
3. Injection/Draw: The needle is carefully inserted into the skin or vein, following proper technique to minimize discomfort.
4. Completion: After administering the medication or drawing blood, the needle is safely disposed of in a sharps container.

Duration

The procedure typically takes a few minutes, depending on the specific task involved (e.g., drawing blood vs. administering a vaccine).

Setting

This procedure is commonly performed in various settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Outpatient clinics
• Primary care offices
• Specialized medical camps

Personnel

• Nurses
• Physicians
• Phlebotomists

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Minor pain or bruising at the injection site
• Very rare risk of infection if proper sterile techniques are not followed

Possible Complications:

• Needle stick injury
• Allergic reaction to injected substance

Benefits

• Safe and effective delivery of medications
• Accurate diagnostic testing
• Minimized risk of infection due to single-use sterilization

Recovery

• Minimal post-procedure care is required
• Patients may need to keep the injection site clean and watch for signs of infection
• Normal activities can usually be resumed immediately

Alternatives

• Oral medications (for drug delivery)
• Non-invasive diagnostic tests (for certain blood tests)
• Needle-free injection systems

Pros and Cons of Alternatives:

• Oral medications: Less invasive but might not be suitable for all types of medication.
• Needle-free systems: Reduced pain and anxiety but might be more expensive or less available.

Patient Experience

During the procedure:

• Patients may feel a quick, sharp pinch or sting during needle insertion.

After the procedure:

• Some soreness or minor bruising at the site is possible.
• Pain management is usually unnecessary, given the minor nature of the procedure.
• Comfort measures include applying a cold compress to the site to reduce any discomfort or swelling.