Microbiological evaluation of disposable systemic acupuncture needles

Abstract

The acupuncture is an invasive technique and the needles are the principal instrument. The objective of this study is to analyze the microbiological quality from different marks of disposable systemic acupuncture needles and to identify the contaminants microorganisms isolated. Study of 11 labels, corresponding to 30 different lots, a total of 1500 disposable systemic acupuncture needles were submitted to microbiological analyzed in Goia?nia in 2007. The needles were inoculated in peptone water with aseptic techniques and incubated at 37oC for 21 days. The tubes with growth were streaked in blood agar to isolate the microorganism. The colonies were identified by Gram stain and biochemical tests. The microbiological contamination was detected in 13 (0.86%) from the 1500 analyzed needles, corresponding to six labels, but the rate did not present any statistical significance. The microorganisms were identified as Gram positive bacilli, Micrococcus sp and negative coagulase staphylococci. The microbiological contamination rate did not present a statistical significance, and the analyzed needles should be considered security for using in acupuncture procedures.