Single-Use Acupuncture Needles: Scanning Electron-Microscopy of Needle-Tips

Abstract

Unselected, disposable acupuncture needles from various manufacturers and retail suppliers were taken from a pool of donated and bought samples. Three needles of each type were prepared for electron-microscopy. The needle tips were inspected at two magnifications (x39.37 and x612.5): 52 electron-micrographs were taken of 31 individual needles from 11 different types. No needle-tip looked perfect and significant faults were seen in most; some appeared seriously deformed. The faults noted were: scratch marks along or across the needle, metallic scuff, lumps and irregularities in the needle surface, needle-tip stubbed or malformed, and needle point off-centre. An additional test made was to wipe a number of needles firmly on white paper tissue. Some left grey lines, and these were regarded as evidence of metallic or oily residue from the needle surface which could have been deposited in the patient. These unexpected findings, in a variety of popularly used needles from well-respected suppliers, suggest that most manufacturers need to reassess their quality control procedures.

Examination of Surface Conditions and Other Physical Properties of Commonly Used Stainless Steel Acupuncture Needles

“…The first disposable acupuncture needles were introduced in the late 1970s 9. After more than three decades of developments in regulatory standards and manufacturing techniques, it would be reasonable for acupuncturists and patients to expect high quality in such a widely used clinical device.…”

“…Prior to the adoption of single-use disposal needles, the most commonly reported acupuncture adverse effects were infections, including hepatitis,18 due to lack of rigorous sterilisation 9. For example, acupuncture-associated hepatitis B outbreaks were reported in UK,11 19 Jerusalem20 and USA21 between 1970 and 1990.…”

“…The use of Bian Shi was followed by fine needles made of other materials such as bamboo, ceramic, bones, the thorns of plants, the beaks of birds and metals (including gold, silver, bronze and, more, recently stainless steel) 12 9 Modern-style acupuncture related therapies can be applied via a range of equipment including needles, acupressure pellets and electrical or laser stimulation. However, among all these forms of treatment needling acupuncture involving skin penetration is the most frequently used method, in China and in other countries.…”

“…The original usage of this type of needle was in Europe, followed by Japan and Korea. Later, Chinese manufacturers took up the challenge of cost reduction by combining automation with low labour costs 9. Nowadays, China, Japan and Korea are the main suppliers of acupuncture needles, with China providing up to 90% of the world's acupuncture needles 12…”

“…He found significant faults in most of the acupuncture needles 9. Since then, there has been no further research in this important area.…”