This might be a stupid question. But, are the needles that are used disposable? Or are they just sterilized?
They are sterilized before use but the association and most state laws require that they be disposed of after use.
So they are not reused on more than one client, but should be sterilized before use? whew, anxiety is getting the best of me!
Due to cost and conservation,I am reusing Gold Ballet needles . It is only being used on myself. Is there a max number of times that one needle is safe to use? Is alcohol enough to sterilize it ?
Just a hypothesis that the needles metal will deteriorate over time and use, thus leading to an inefficient distribution of heat and/or electricity. My max is usually 2-3 hours worth of use.
Ballet needles are top notch though!
Is alcohol enough to sterilize it… short answer, for use on yourself yes because you’re not dealing with foreign pathogens. For use on others: [b]don’t even try.[/b]
Dee just related a case where she did 6300+ insertions and said the IBP was just fine when she got done. 
Alcohol will clean but not sterilize an object. True sterilization requires heat or gamma radiation.
Yes, indeed. The Laurier IBP is actually a reusable probe, it can be re-sterilized multiple times for re-use. I think I described it as a tough little bulldog that won’t give up. It has just enough flexibilty to correct any insertion miscalculation. It is worth the cost.
No it does not.
Barbicide is l low level disinfectant meant for combs brushes and other implements that are non invasive. For sterilization it is necessary to use gamma radiation, an autoclave or chemical sterilant which kills all microbial life.
i find bleach works well
i find bleach works well[/quote]
There are three levels of disinfection and while some will argue that high-level is an effective method of “sterilization” there is nothing in place to quantify that the product was capable of providing the level of “clean” that you need. Sterilizers (dry heat and autoclaves) have visible monitors plus chemical and biological monitors can be used in them. Additionally, instruments are packaged for sterilization in dry heat and autoclaves that allow them to be kept sterile until they are used. Needles must be pre-sterilized by the manufacturer and disposed of immediately after use.
Read here for more information from the CDC about disinfection. http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/disinfection_sterilization/6_0disinfection.html
Speaking of needles/probes one thing came to mind. Of course, needles must be pre-sterilized by the manufacturer. But how long is appropriate to work with the same needle. Is it ok to work for example, more than two hours with the same needle? Surely, the longer needle is used, more contaminated it would be. Did somebody think after how many hours the needle would be rather contaminated to continue the work?
As long as it’s the same person … there is no limit to the time the needle may be used. If there is “gunk” on the thing, just wipe it off and keep going.
I have “scrubbed” in surgeries that were longer than 6 hours. The instruments got bloody and the surgeon just wiped them off and kept going. Actually, the whole room often gets messy. I remember he once dropped a chunk of fat on the floor and I stepped on it (almost fell)! We just kept going! Electrolysis is “minimally invasive” … it’s not heart surgery! (Liposuction, by the way, is GROSS!)
Remember, even before all the current rules, there has never been a documented case of cross-contamination from electrolysis! Folks can go “over the top” on the “sterilization” thing … your office is not an “O.R.!” And, it does not need to be.
Many years ago, when I had electrolysis, the same probe was used on me over and over again. It was put in an envelope and wiped with aqueous zepharin at the beginning of the next appointment. That was the standard at the time and no harm came to me.
What I want to add to this is thread besides the “germ” issue in re-using the same probe, is to be aware that probes do degrade with time. The probes with the smoothest surface, do become pitted and rough or the insulation starts flaking, so you don’t want to keep using a flawed probe that will compromise the insertion. The Laurier probes and the Ballet Gold probes can withstand a lot of hours of electrolysis, so they will last longer than other probes through high settings with thermolysis or with blend and the caustic lye we create in the follicle. Just be observant enough to know when it is time to toss the probe. Maybe other brands of probes are sturdy, too, I imagine, but I am only familiar with the above stated probes
Aqueous zepharin, have never heard about it. It is not used anymore?
Dear Dee, thanks for this important hint.
My impression is that the IBPs have a tendency of breaking at their tips, sometimes even during long sessions.
Sometimes earlier, sometimes later, and possibly somewhat dependent on the modality - the sharp final pulse of multiplex seems to contribute a lot to wearing.
Even under 6X magnification this is often hard to see, especially in sizes 2 and 3.
Quite interestingly, they IBPs usually still epilate resonably well when that happens. The most noticeable sign is that it will become hard to do smooth insertions not causing skin breakage - the sharp edge of the broken tip will act like a punch.
This is rare… I’d really like to see one of those when that happens to you Beate. When that happens to you, if you would please tape it to a piece of paper and drop it in the mail to me.
The .002’s are quite delicate but with the Kelly tip concept applied to the .003’s, I suspect they will come into play more often in place of a .002"
Oh yes, Dee is right. Funny how I didn’t even consider “using a needle for another treatment at another time.” I was responding to the person that wasn’t sure a needle would last through ONE LONG (“2-hour”) treatment session only.
I’m presently working with a patient from the UK, and doing 5-hour sessions per day (with food breaks, of course). Using a Hinkel tapered C, the needle certainly holds up perfectly and I could probably use it for several days. I get a new needle at the start of every day. I don’t think anyone re-uses needles any more? DO THEY?
I certainly hope not, unless they are properly sterilized.
Probes are inexpensive enough where you don’t have to even consider re-sterilizing.