Acupuncture on the NHS?!

[Rolfe]

I've wondered that in the past. In healthcare, reused surgical instruments (just about any reused medical instrument used in some form of invasive procedure)have to be sterilised in an autoclave between uses. There are faily strict requirements about the autoclave settings etc.

Are acupuncturists required to follow the same standards?

That sounds as if it belongs on the thread you started last week.

I know you can get sterile, wrapped and presumably disposable single-use acupuncture needles, but as there's no regulation I don't think anyone is obliged to use them.

Rolfe.

 

[Suezoled]

If I recall correctly, acupuncture needles are classified as Type II surgical instruments. This does not mean they are useful or viable, any more than the old foot-activated dentist drill is; it only means it's somewhat regulated.