New member- contaminated needle?

skullknight237

skullknight237

Member Since 2026
Hi everyone, I haven’t gotten a chance to write my introductory post. I have made a mistake and I don’t know how bad it is. This morning, very early, we were doing my kitty’s injection. The uncapped needle touched my kitchen counter. The counter was not clean or disinfected. I then drew from the insulin vial and injected. I plan to call my vet when they open, but what do y’all think? I am very anxious about this mistake and I am never going to make it again. This is why being sleepy is bad!
 
While my 2 cents is probably not worth a whole lot as a newer person to the forum, I would guess it's probably ok.

When I was new to giving injections, I've definitely messed up before by having the needle touch my hand / finger first (not sterile). Because the injection is subcutaneous (vs. into a vein or muscle), I would guess the risk from a small amount of contamination is lower. I'd probably keep an eye out to make sure you're not seeing any redness, swelling, warmth / pain at the injection site and that your kitty is acting normal. But I personally wouldn't panic.

We all get sleepy and make mistakes during this process - so hopefully you're not being too hard on yourself!
 
Connie & Parker & Moonie said:
While my 2 cents is probably not worth a whole lot as a newer person to the forum, I would guess it's probably ok.

When I was new to giving injections, I've definitely messed up before by having the needle touch my hand / finger first (not sterile). Because the injection is subcutaneous (vs. into a vein or muscle), I would guess the risk from a small amount of contamination is lower. I'd probably keep an eye out to make sure you're not seeing any redness, swelling, warmth / pain at the injection site and that your kitty is acting normal. But I personally wouldn't panic.

We all get sleepy and make mistakes during this process - so hopefully you're not being too hard on yourself!
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Thank you for your 2 cents! I feel concern for possible contamination to the vial contents since I touched it and then drew the insulin. Everything feels scary right now!
 
skullknight237 said:
Thank you for your 2 cents! I feel concern for possible contamination to the vial contents since I touched it and then drew the insulin. Everything feels scary right now!
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Oh I didn't think of that! I'd say my prior contamination was post-draw.

I'd be curious what your vet says but I probably would be inclined to throw it out and start with a new vial, as painful as it is. But that's not a fact-based opinion and I'm a pretty paranoid person in general. I've also thrown out Lantus pens before because I noticed it was getting less effective towards the end of its life. It kind of sucks but sometimes I guess that's what happens.
 
@skullknight237 @Connie & Parker & Moonie
The vet tech who trained me on Vetsulin said lots of people re-use a needle several times & have never reported a problem. I asked about whether germs were an issue, since after all, germs got on needle each time injected. He said nope. He'd never heard of an issue.
No need to be super careful about germs.
 
@Felicity Please don't reuse the needles. A locum vet told me the same, but that is wrong. The issue is not just the contamination, but the discomfort you may be causing your cat on injection. This set of picture illustrates what happens with multiple shots with the same needle.

49823913987_5d0da2fd0d_o.jpg
 
Connie & Parker & Moonie said:
Oh I didn't think of that! I'd say my prior contamination was post-draw.

I'd be curious what your vet says but I probably would be inclined to throw it out and start with a new vial, as painful as it is. But that's not a fact-based opinion and I'm a pretty paranoid person in general. I've also thrown out Lantus pens before because I noticed it was getting less effective towards the end of its life. It kind of sucks but sometimes I guess that's what happens.
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I appreciate your thoughts- I have been of the thought to replace the vial as well! I am waiting for a call back from the vet and I’ll update! — I did not post this reply like I thought!
Update: my vet was reassuring that I did not ruin my vial of insulin. She said to not make the mistake again and to discard any needles that have become unsterile before using them. Makes sense of course, I’ll be much more careful and awake.
 
Felicity said:
@skullknight237 @Connie & Parker & Moonie
The vet tech who trained me on Vetsulin said lots of people re-use a needle several times & have never reported a problem. I asked about whether germs were an issue, since after all, germs got on needle each time injected. He said nope. He'd never heard of an issue.
No need to be super careful about germs.
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This is interesting to hear! I’m sure it was just the vet tech’s observation and not their recommendation lol. I am glad I could be a little less paranoid but I will still be careful! My vet got back to me and told me I haven’t ruined my vial or my kitty’s life, which is great :)
 
What insulin are you using? If it's Lantus, next time I'd recommend getting pens as they are smaller amounts in each container. If anything happens to a pen, less insulin is lost.

Here's the link to the post that suggests what information is good to include the signature: New? How You Can Help Us Help You!
 
Wendy&Neko said:
What insulin are you using? If it's Lantus, next time I'd recommend getting pens as they are smaller amounts in each container. If anything happens to a pen, less insulin is lost.

Here's the link to the post that suggests what information is good to include the signature: New? How You Can Help Us Help You!
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I have ProZinc with u-40s. And thank you, I plan on tackling the bio tonight.
 
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