Needles and Patient Safety

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Routine Venipuncture. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

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Needles and Patient Safety

All needles are single use. That is, every needle is immediately discarded in a sharps container after one insertion. If you suspect that you inadvertently touched anything with the needle prior to inserting the needle into the patient's vein, the needle cannot be used. The safety device must be activated and the needle discarded.

NEVER remove a needle from a patient and reinsert into another vein; this could put the patient at risk for infection.