Examination of surface conditions and other physical properties of commonly used stainless steel acupuncture needles.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The present work examined the surface conditions and various other physical properties of sterilised single-use stainless steel acupuncture needles from two of the most popular brands widely used in many countries.

Methods

Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were taken for 10 randomly chosen needles from each brand. Further SEM images were taken after each of these needles underwent a standard manipulation with an acupuncture needling practice gel. A comparison of forces and torques during the needling process was also carried out.

Results

The SEM images revealed significant surface irregularities and inconsistencies at the needle tips, especially for needles from one of the two brands. Metallic lumps and small, loosely attached pieces of material wer

SUBMITTER: Xie YM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3995252 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature