Final answer:
Needles for weaving in arts and crafts do not require the same level of sterilization as medical needles. Cleanliness in craft practices can prevent mildew and pests, but formal disinfection is necessary for needles used in medical settings to prevent contamination and disease spread.
Step-by-step explanation:
Needles used for weaving, typically associated with arts and crafts, do not typically require disinfectant as those used for medical purposes do. In an arts setting, cleanliness is important, but the stringent protocols for aseptic work environments seen in medical or biological applications are not necessary. However, when dealing with natural fibers like wild flax or animal hides, maintaining a clean working process is beneficial for the product's longevity and preventing potential mildew or pest issues during storage.
In contrast, medical applications involving needles—for example, in phlebotomy or when working with infectious specimens—require rigorous sterilization procedures. Instruments and surfaces must be disinfected with solutions like laboratory disinfectant, 70% ethanol, or autoclaving in a strong basic solution to prevent contamination and spread of infections. Protective clothing, including gloves and face protection, is also a requirement in these environments.
Consequently, the need for disinfection of needles depends greatly on the context in which they are used. For medical applications, sterilization is critical, while for arts and crafts, while cleanliness is advisable, the degree of sterilization required is far less stringent.