Florida Chiropractic Laws and Rules (FCLR) Practice Exam

Which of the following is an acceptable guideline for handling acupuncture needles?

1. They should be shared among patients to save cost

2. Only non-corrosive needles may be used

3. Patients should bring their own needles

4. They can be reused if cleansed

The correct answer is: Only non-corrosive needles may be used

Using only non-corrosive needles is a crucial guideline for handling acupuncture needles. Non-corrosive needles are typically made from materials such as stainless steel, which are not prone to rusting or degradation over time. This is important because using high-quality, non-corrosive needles helps to ensure the safety and efficacy of acupuncture treatments, minimizes the risk of infection, and maintains the integrity of the needle during procedures. The practice of sharing needles among patients would pose significant health risks and is, therefore, not an acceptable guideline. Similarly, while it might seem practical for patients to bring their own needles, this could lead to inconsistency in quality and sterility, which are paramount in healthcare settings. Reusing needles, even if cleansed, is not acceptable due to the high risk of cross-contamination and infection that can occur, rendering those practices unsafe. Thus, adhering to the standard of using only non-corrosive needles ensures compliance with safety regulations and promotes patient health.