How many people re-use needles?

[caregiver222]

I've just read a study that suggests many people re-use needles, with virtually no risk of infection, despite the recommendation for one-time use. According to the article many people use them three times. I have no position on this, but I am wondering how many people re-use needles, and how many times, and if they sharpen them, and if so, how. The study suggested using alcohol was not appropriate before re-use because it washed off the silicone lubricant.

[pooterbutt]

I have no choice but to re-use needles....my insurance does not pay for diabetic supplys....

[zhongy2]

the infection from re-using needles are very very low, i usually recommend people to use it for one day.  However, the more time the needle is use, the duller it gets and the more painful it gets.  Alcohol is not recommended.  if you are using glucometer to ***** your fingers, the alcohol make your skin harder therefore need to poke harder...therefore more painful.  With insulin injection, recent study has showed that using alcohol swabs increased chances of infection (because people don't wait for it to dry before injection) therefore it was suggested not to use alcohol anymore when giving injections