reuse the syringe ?

[1776monkey]

Gp said you could reuse the syringe if it is just used for one person. Is this a stupid idea sorry if its a stupid question.

[fbirder]

Why would you?

Personally, I wouldn't risk it. Not to save 10p.

[Chocolate41]

Use a new syringe every time they are so cheap not worth the risk.

[1776monkey in reply to Chocolate41]

Thanks for quick response guys.

[Foggyme Administrator]

Hi 1776monkey. It's not a stupid question since you are just checking out what your GP has told you 😀.

I'm frequently horrified by some of the things we hear about GP's on this site...and the advice about reusing syringes is one of those things - as I suspect you suspect 😉.

Syringes are for single use only...even when used by one person.

Once the sterile packaging has been opened, the syringe handled, had drugs/liquid inside it (germs love a damp environment) the needle inserted through the skin (bacteria loves skin surface)...all are then open to potential contamination from bacteria. So...use once only and dispose of in a sharps bin.

Horrifying advice from a GP....

👍

[1776monkey in reply to Foggyme]

Thanks I didn't feel it could be a good idea.

[clivealive Forum Support]

Hi 1776monkey whilst agreeing with all the "against re-using" comments above I well remember when I got my first B12 injections 45 years ago the nurse used to pick out a needle and syringe from the steaming sterilizer and believe me, some were more blunt than others

[pitney in reply to clivealive]

It was a good idea to be first in the queue in those days Clive, I remember when they used to re sharpen the needles , oh for the good old days!!!!!!!!!!

[clivealive Forum Support in reply to pitney]

You've "got a point there" pitney

[pitney in reply to clivealive]

And your sharp this morning, cant work out how to add the smile Clive so i'm obviously not that sharp

[clivealive Forum Support in reply to pitney]

a colon : immediately followed by a )

[pitney in reply to clivealive]

thanks Clive

[pet-lamb]

As a retired staff nurse I both agree with foggy and am horrified at your doctors advice I urge you to always use a new sterile syringe I would never risk reusing any syringes.

[clivealive Forum Support in reply to pet-lamb]

... and I remember 45 years ago the injection site was always wiped with an antiseptic - not any more.

[pet-lamb]

Your right Clive I remember doing this but can't remember why or when it stopped I was still doing it until 2013 when I retired

[pet-lamb]

1776 monkey just premiered that I always always changed the needle after drawing up ad that blunted the first needle

[Retren]

As a retired sister I would not advise it. Plenty of contamination occurs and it was advocated not to swab the area of injection but the bugs romping around are enough to keep doing it.

[avocadopeardrops]

I hope the GP does not re use the used needles and syringes.

[addie18]

I was tempted to reuse one or more of my old syringes from my sharps disposal container recently when there was an administrative problem filling my prescription for syringes. It started off as the pharmacy's fault because they made an error in not filling the syringes, and then became partially my fault because I did not draw it to their attention early and often enough and the net result was no new syringe for a couple of weeks. I was tempted, but in the end, I decided instead to super dose oral methyl b12 for the interim time period as I was previously advised by my doctor to top up with that if I wanted - as some small percentage of oral b12 gets through to PA patients through passive absorption and/or incomplete inactivation of IF by IFA. I didn't notice any bad results. Not trying to give advice, and I realize this anecdote doesn't fully answer your question. Just thought I would share for the limited benefit of an anecdote.

[avocadopeardrops]

Best to take oral B12 than risk sepsis from a contaminated syringe. Horrified at this GP sounds like he is trying to cut down on his budget.

I trained as a nurse and recall when syringes and needles were sterilised on the ward. Not ideal but autoclaved and/or disposable syringes and needles not available like today.

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

I'm a bit shocked that GP suggested reusing a syringe. I would never do this.

[Ryaan]

Not stupid question, but I think your gp is. 😀

[Ryaan in reply to Ryaan]

Maybe he losing his memory. Maybe u need to give him B12 shots !

[1776monkey]

Thank you so much for your replies. The gp was family friend of my sister. When I questioned his advice my sister got annoyed and thought I knew better than the doctor. I guess I did. Thank you all for the confirmation.