To swab or not to swab ?

A year or so ago I asked a GP friend of mine what sort of wipe I should be using when I injected B12 and was surprised by his answer, basically he said that I shouldn’t use one and that the thinking nowadays was that it was not necessary if the skin was, “visibly clean." I was surprised at this as for years I’d always used alcohol wipes but I did stop using them to no apparent harm. I checked and the WHO say, “if the skin is visibly clean there is no need to swab.”

I mention this as I imagine there are many of us who are trying to cut down on waste and when I think of all the little plastic and foil wrappers these things come in and the plastic in the wipes themselves all going into landfill well if it’s all unnecessary perhaps people should stop using them. I know if you have been injecting for many years as I had, using a wipe was part of the “ritual,” it was reassuring and gave me a feeling of security that I was doing it right! Now I never think of using one. My friend did say if I was worried I should inject after I’d showered, pointing out that surgeons before operating only use soap and water.

I am not criticizing anyone for using a swab and I’m not saying you should stop using them. I'm simply saying that it isn’t dangerous not to use one and it’s a step that you can miss without any problems should you wish.

[fbirder]

I swab. Every time.

My hounds aren't averse to licking me. They tend to leave the licked skin 'visibly clean'.

[Hidden in reply to fbirder]

While not wishing to be crude I inject in my buttocks so unless I was letting dogs lick my a£&e I wouldn't see it as a problem 😱

[Hidden]

I always inject in my arm after my breakfast and my shower and have never swabbed.nurses at my practice don’t swab either ,never have.x

[clivealive Forum Support]

Hi Hidden My practice nurses always used to swab before injecting but that was back in the days when the syringes and needles came out of a steam steriliser. Now with individually wrapped single use needles there is not the need for swabbing.

I've been having B12 jabs for over 48 years and I haven't dropped dead - yet.

I wish you well.

[Nackapan]

I use one . I'm 'old school' also have cats and dresses on at present. Also using alot of moisturisers.

I realise you dont have to.

I'm frugal in other ways for the planet.

No flights for years. Washable cleaning cloths A bar of soap. Make anti viral disinfectant sprays one spray bottle.

It's the packaging on food that's the worse thing filling landfills.

Oh a fly had just landed on my leg (it really has !)probably the moisturisers!!

So whilst I fully agree not essential. I'm happier using one.

[Hidden]

My nurse or gp does not use swabs. I inject when I get out of shower. Hate waste.

[Ghound]

Hi Marty, Yes, just before I left nursing a few years ago we stopped using the alcohol wipes routinely.

I self inject and don't swab, but usually I'm just out of the shower anyway.

Everyone can assess their own risk, I probably would wipe if my greyhound had been sniffing around me ... .😄

Best wishes x