On the Prevention of Infection by Acupuncture / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

ABSTRACT

Infection is one of the most serious complications of acupuncture. But no infection ever appears without contamination, so the best method for preventing infection is to avoid contamination.<BR>There are two causes of contamination by acupuncture, namely, unsatisfactory disinfection of skin and contaminated neeedles. The former involves incomplete skin cleaning and inadequate disinfection. The latter is caused by contact with unsanitary matter. Some factors which are usually considered insignificant, such as contamination by needle tube, finger push technique, needle insertion technique or contamination in the needle case, should be re-examined.<BR>The author never touches the part of the needle which can penetrate the skin. This simple measure can help to prevent contamination of needles and consequent infection.