Are IV Drug Users Cleaning Needles by Inserting them into Toilet Paper Rolls?
No, IV drug users are not cleaning needles by poking them through toilet paper rolls. This is a dangerous and ill-advised practice that could lead to serious medical complications. Needles used for IV drug use must be sterilized to prevent the spread of infections, such as HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C and other blood-borne illnesses. Toilet paper rolls are not made from materials that can be effectively sterilized, so they are not suitable for this purpose. Additionally, the materials used to make toilet paper rolls are not strong enough to withstand the pressure and friction of a needle. If a drug user attempts to clean a needle by poking it through a toilet paper roll, the needle can easily become bent or damaged, which can increase the risk of infection. The safest and most effective way to clean a needle for IV drug use is to use a syringe filter.
This type of filter is designed specifically for cleaning needles, and it is made with materials that can be effectively sterilized. Syringe filters are widely available and relatively inexpensive. When using a syringe filter, the needle should be inserted into the filter and agitated in a circular motion, then flushed with sterile water. This process will help to remove any blood or impurities from the needle, making it safe to use. IV drug users should never attempt to clean their needles by poking them through toilet paper rolls. Not only is this practice ineffective and unsafe, it can also increase the risk of spreading infections. Instead, IV drug users should use a syringe filter to ensure that their needles are sterile and safe to use.
