Needles - use more than once

[mrsstats]

We have been using the needle 1x and tossing it. Someone mentioned that they use the same needle for the day. Thoughts?

[CraigM]

Re: Needles - use more than once

I'm thinking most use a new syringe and lancet.

I'm one of those who use one syringe & lancet per day. I'm sure this isn't totally sanitary, but that's what I've done for years.

Yes, Linda (wife) is a type-2 and uses a fresh lancet each test and I'd probably do the same for myself. Double standard between humans & dogs in my house?

Craig

[jesse girl]

Re: Needles - use more than once

i use one syringe a day on jesse not sure if that's the best practice but haven't had a problem in the 6 years she has been diabetic

[Joan]

Re: Needles - use more than once

I use the lancet more than once as well.

If you are going to use the insulin syringe more than once, then at the very least the syringe should be placed in the fridge after the first use. You will get bacteria on the needle going thru the dogs fur etc, and though giving him another shot with the same needle is fine, the main problem that may arise, is putting that contaminated needle back in the insulin bottle, which is generally used for a month or so.

Syringes are the least cost of anything associated with a diabetic dog. You can get them at CalVet Supply for $11/100, free shipping if you order several boxes, or something else from them at the same time. I think Walmart is $13 (?)

[stylynjm]

Re: Needles - use more than once

Oh,
I use a new syringe every time. I do use the lancet 2xs then throw out

[Eddie]

Re: Needles - use more than once

We use new needles and lancets each time. Here they are both very cheap in comparison to all the other medical costs that Eddie has for his various ailments!
(and don't tell Craig but we now use u100 syringes for our u40 Caninsulin because the u40 syringes became very hard to get hold of; we are however VERY careful about calculating the dose).
Antonia

[amydunn19]

I used a new one each time because the needles at Wal Mart were so inexpensive. And I was more afraid that they might bend or become dull. A couple of times when I was away from my house and low on needles I might reuse once but I would take an alcohol pad and wipe the end and give it a minute to dry.

[Judi]

Re: Needles - use more than once

we started out using the syringe twice but one time Jenny yelped as if we'd hurt her. since syringes and lancets weren't that expensive I started using a new one every time.

I know of an RN who used the same syringe several times on her diabetic dog. they never had a problem in 4 years.

[jesse girl]

Re: Needles - use more than once

just to add to the discussion . my jesse never felt anything with injections even using a needle more than once. probably could use it a 100 times and she would not feel a thing (hound dogs have tough skin ) . in the beginning i used a new syringe with every injection . over time and a loss of availability of getting syringes from walmart with a change in there policy and needing a script to get a box of syringes ( was managing jesse's diabetes on my own and did not want a vet involved for this disease which a script would lead to ) another factor for me was one less needle in the landfill

using a new syringe for each injection eliminates all risk of contamination and dulling of the syringe but once again its a personal choice and depends on your situation with your pup

[Rover]

Re: Needles - use more than once

Sounds you don't have to worry using a needles for your dog.

[wild lady wolf]

Re: Needles - use more than once

I have never used the same syringe or lancet more than 1 time. Mr Shadow is very sensitive and in the beginnng I'd be so scared that I bent several needles trying to inject the insulin, which involved also disposing of expensive insulin too!

We have definitely grown more comfortable as time goes by...it is now part of our daily life.

I'm still learning from all of you, thanks!