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How many times can a needle be used before it must be discarded?

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Final answer:

Needles are to be used once and then discarded to prevent infections, with health-care workers taking stringent precautions including using disposable syringes and needles to avoid exposure to potentially infectious body fluids.

Step-by-step explanation:

Health-care workers, including those at higher risk of needle sticks, such as phlebotomists and dentists, as well as populations vulnerable to infections, like drug addicts, should adhere strictly to single-use practices regarding needles.

After a single use, needles must be discarded to prevent the transmission of diseases, for instance, Hepatitis B virus (HBV). Blood poses the greatest risk of transmitting infections, but other body fluids are also a concern. Health-care professionals are advised to wear gloves and face protection, avoid contact with body fluids, use disposable syringes and needles, and follow protocols for exposure treatment and disinfection.

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