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Needles and Syringes

Equipment used to inject drugs or steroids is NOT made to be reused. Research has shown that blood to blood contact is the most efficient means of transmitting HIV. When used to inject drugs or steroids, blood is pulled into the needle or syringe. If the blood is infected with HIV, transmission can occur if the needle is reused by another person.

Remember: The most effective prevention is to stop injecting drugs or steroids.

If a person injects drugs and/or steroids and uses needles and syringes that have been used by someone else, the needle should be cleaned and disinfected using the steps below. Keep in mind that bleach cleaning is NOT risk free. Hepatitis can be passed from person to person even though the needle has been cleaned correctly.

These steps are not 100% safe; however they can reduce the risk of HIV infection. Only perform these steps if a new, sterile needle and syringe is not available. New sterile needles and syringes are safer than bleach-cleaned needles.

Clean used needles and syringes immediately following use and again just before the needle and syringe is re-used.

1. PRE-WASH: Wash out the needle and syringe by flushing several times with clean water. Use fresh water each time. After each time the needle and syringe is flushed, dispose of the water. Shake and tap the syringe while it is filled with water. By flushing the needle and syringe, you are reducing the amount of blood in the syringe, which can reduce the effectiveness of the bleach.
2. WASH: Completely fill (all the way to the top) the needle and syringe several times (at least 3 times) with full strength bleach. Use fresh bleach every time. After each time the needle and syringe is flushed with bleach, dispose of the bleach. Let the bleach stay in the syringe for at least 30 seconds. Shake and tap the syringe while it is filled with bleach.
3. RINSE: Rinse out the needle and syringe by filling several times with clean water. Use fresh water each time. Do not use the same water used in the pre-washing step. That water may have become contaminated. Shake and tap the syringe while it is filled with water.

Don’t Share Anything!

Notes:

* Bleach should not be diluted.
* Taking the syringe apart may improve cleaning.
* Do not share other items such as cooker or cotton swabs.

This information is designed for educational purposes only. If you have questions, talk to your health professional or an HIV/AIDS risk reduction specialist. To find a health professional or service agency in your area of Pennsylvania, please use our online resource directory.

Adapted from United States Department of Health and Human Services. HIV/AIDS Prevention Bulletin. April 19. 1993.