Why should you use a new needle for each patient?

• A. To reduce cross-contamination and infection
• B. To prevent cross-contamination and infection
• C. To ensure faster collection
• D. To lower patient discomfort

Answer: (D)

Using a new needle for each patient is about infection control and patient safety. A sterile, single-use needle prevents organisms or blood from one patient from passing to another and protects you from exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Reusing needles can spread infections and increase the risk of needle-stick injuries, compromising both patient and clinician safety and the integrity of the blood sample. While a fresh needle can be more comfortable and may feel smoother, the primary reason to change needles is to prevent cross-contamination and infection. The other ideas—faster collection or less discomfort—aren’t the main justification, since safety comes first and technique or instrument sharpness influences outcomes only as secondary factors.