|
|
Sharps Safety:There are many reasons why lancets, pen needles and syringes are not changed frequently BUT sharps should in fact be changed after EVERY USE. When it is considered that most health insurance plans cover these items and it takes very little time, this ounce of prevention is worth the effort.
Change Sharps Frequently:The MOST FREQUENT reason in favor of changing these sharps frequently is to decrease risk of infection. It is true that the most frequent cause of infection in people with diabetes is a skin infection called Staphylococcus aureus (or Staph infection) and also group A streptococcus, GAS. It has been shown that persons with diabetes who are infected with Staph infection may be more susceptible to the form that is harder to treat called methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus or MRSA.
LANCETS: EVERY TIME you test your blood sugar the lancet should be changed. Not only does this decrease your infection risk, it makes the process of drawing blood less painful. This is because with each use, the lancet becomes more dull and the actual piercing MORE painful. It is also not advisable to clean the lancet after use because this removes the lubricant. Discard YOUR Sharps After A Single Injection!
Can I Reuse Sharp Devices?Once a sharp device has been used, its surface is rougher, the lubricant wears off and the point is duller. Any handling, such as cleaning with alcohol, removes the lubricant which lends itself to discomfort, pain or even infection. Using a new sharp each time is well worthwhile.
PEN NEEDLES: Reusing insulin pen needles damages the needle. The amount of insulin delivered with reuse may not be accurate especially if going from a warm to cooler area. This causes air to pull into the pen cartridge thus decreasing the amount of insulin delivered.
INFUSION SETS: Those on the insulin pump are advised to change their infusion set EVERY 2 to 3 Days because it is an indwelling cannula. The Centers for Disease Control recommend that any indwelling device be changed EVERY 2 Days to prevent infection. Infection risks such as cellulitis or scarring at the infusion site GO UP the longer the cannula is unchanged. In addition, risks of mechanical problems such as clogging (occlusion) or kinking of the tubing increases thus decreasing insulin delivery. Another potential problem is fatty tissue buildup. SYRINGES: Manufacturers have made injecting easier with the creation of thin needles for syringes. This has made injections easier and less painful. A disadvantage is that these thin needles were not made for reuse. In fact there is a little hook at the end that could break off in your skin. Also, these needles are coated with a lubricant that eases the syringe into the skin; if wiped with alcohol it is removed making the next injection more difficult. 
Signs and Symptoms of an Infection:Signs and symptoms of infection include redness, swelling, pain, warmth in the area, a lump under the skin, fever, pus, and elevated blood glucose levels. If any of these symptoms occur, contact your health care team at the first sign of any suspected infection. Besides decreasing infection risk, accurate blood sugar control and avoiding other complications are added benefits to frequently changing sharp devices.
Dispose of YOUR Sharps Properly!
Better Living Now is a proud supporter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation:
 
© 2007 by Vanderbilt University
Reference: American Diabetes Association:
Reference: American Diabetes Association:
There are 23.6 million children and adults in the US with diabetes -- 5.7 million people are undiagnosed and 57 million have a condition called pre-diabetes.Take this test to see if you are at risk for having or developing type 2 diabetes.
|