Can You Get Infected from Acupuncture Needles? Risks

Q: Can You Get Infected from Acupuncture Needles? Risks

Dear Mr. Hsiao-Lü： 1. Since 1985, all infants and young children in our country have been vaccinated against hepatitis B, unless there are special circumstances. Therefore, the likelihood of you contracting hepatitis B from your father is extremely low. 2. R

Is there a risk of infection from acupuncture needles?

Hello Doctor: I would like to ask, my father is a carrier of hepatitis B and also has issues with antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
If on the evening of the 15th, he had acupuncture and the needle fell on a chair, and then on the 16th, I accidentally pricked myself on the chair but did not bleed and cannot find a wound, am I at risk of contracting the hepatitis B virus or the antibiotic-resistant bacteria? Thank you.

Xiao Lu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/18

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine

Dear Mr.
Hsiao-Lü:
1.
Since 1985, all infants and young children in our country have been vaccinated against hepatitis B, unless there are special circumstances.
Therefore, the likelihood of you contracting hepatitis B from your father is extremely low.
2.
Regarding accidental needling during acupuncture, unless the needle penetrates the skin deeply enough and there is a sufficient quantity of viruses or bacteria, the chance of infection is quite low.
Therefore, please monitor the areas that may have been needled for any signs of redness, swelling, heat, or pain.
If you notice any of these inflammatory responses, please seek treatment promptly at an infectious disease department or the emergency room.
3.
Of course, if you have any concerns, please discuss them in detail with your family physician or visit the infectious disease outpatient clinic directly.

Reply Date: 2021/07/18

More Info

When it comes to the risk of infection from acupuncture needles, particularly in the context of your question regarding potential exposure to Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, there are several important factors to consider.

Firstly, Hepatitis B is a virus that is primarily transmitted through blood and bodily fluids. The virus can survive outside the human body for a limited time, but its viability decreases significantly after exposure to air and environmental conditions. In general, HBV can remain infectious on surfaces for up to seven days, but this is highly dependent on the conditions of the environment. If the acupuncture needle that was used on your father was contaminated with HBV and subsequently fell onto a chair, the risk of transmission to you would be low, especially if there was no visible blood or fluid present when you were pricked by the needle. Additionally, since you mentioned that there was no bleeding and you could not find a wound, this further reduces the likelihood of any virus entering your bloodstream.

Regarding antibiotic-resistant bacteria, these pathogens can also be a concern in medical settings, especially if proper sterilization protocols are not followed. However, the transmission of such bacteria typically requires direct contact with contaminated surfaces or fluids. If the needle was not visibly contaminated with any bodily fluids when it fell, and if you did not have an open wound or break in the skin, the risk of infection from antibiotic-resistant bacteria is also quite low.

It is crucial to recognize that the risk of infection from acupuncture needles is significantly mitigated when proper hygiene and sterilization practices are followed. Licensed acupuncturists are trained to use sterile, single-use needles and to maintain a clean environment to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. If you have concerns about the cleanliness of the acupuncture setting or the practices of the practitioner, it is advisable to discuss these concerns directly with them or seek treatment from a reputable clinic.

In summary, while there is a theoretical risk of infection from acupuncture needles, the actual risk in your scenario appears to be minimal. If you experience any unusual symptoms or have concerns about your health, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and potential testing. Regular health check-ups and being aware of your vaccination status for Hepatitis B can also help in managing your health proactively.

Similar Q&A

Concerns About Blood Infections from Acupuncture and Electrotherapy

After acupuncture, if there are small wounds on the body, is there a concern for bloodborne infections when using electrodes for electrical stimulation and reusing cupping jars? Is there a risk of hepatitis B and HIV transmission?

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, as long as the acupuncture needles are not reused and other treatment methods are followed, there should not be a risk of bloodborne infections. Thank you for your question.

Assessing Infection Risks from Acupuncture: What You Need to Know

Hello, Doctor. During my previous visit to an acupuncture clinic, I noticed that there was blood left on the acupuncture table from the previous patient. I thoroughly cleaned the entire table with a 75% alcohol wipe, but I forgot to wash my hands before lying down for the acupunc...

Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the vast majority of viruses die shortly after leaving the human body, and they will also die immediately upon contact with alcohol. Therefore, it is highly unlikely to contract any diseases from blood stains left by a previous patient. Additionally, touching small acupunc...

Concerns About Needle Infections: Risks of Accidental Punctures

Recently, I bought glue for repairing my phone, and it came with a needle that looks like a medical one. I'm a bit worried about accidentally pricking myself. Since it was purchased online, it took about two days to arrive. If I accidentally prick myself, is there a risk of ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the situation you described does not pose a risk for hepatitis B or HIV infection, so please do not worry. Thank you for your inquiry.

Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Acupuncture Settings

1. If my hair or body gets splattered with blood, is there a risk of HIV infection? Will washing with shampoo and soap at home be sufficient to clean it off? 2. If blood splatters on my hair and I change clothes at home, could the blood on my hair transfer to my underwear and p...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse and sharing needles. The situations you described do not pose a risk for HIV transmission, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.