JAM掲載論文検索
Japanese Acupuncture and Moxibustion (Online)
JAM 2019;Vol.15:9-12
Influence of Using Gloves and Finger Stalls During Operations of Acupuncture Needles. Observation Under an Electron Microscope: A Pilot Study
Tsunematsu Mikako1), Imai Motoyuki2), Imai Kenji1)
1) Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Faculty of Health Care, Teikyo Heisei University
2) Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo University of Science
Abstract
The aim of this study is to evaluate by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) whether using gloves and finger stalls can prevent foreign bodies adhering to the acupuncture needle from the fingers of the acupuncturist. After attaching sodium bicarbonate to their fingers, the acupuncturist touched the acupuncture needles under three conditions: bare hands, using powdered latex finger stalls and using powder-free nitrile gloves.
The acupuncture needles were observed by an SEM. Additionally, the elemental components of the foreign bodies on the surface of the needle were analyzed with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. After touching the acupuncture needle with bare hands, we observed that there was adhesion of foreign bodies containing elements of sodium to the surface of the acupuncture needle. After touching the acupuncture needle using powdered latex finger stalls, we observed that there was adhesion of foreign bodies containing elements of silicon and magnesium to the surface of the acupuncture needle. After touching the acupuncture needle using powder-free nitrile gloves, we did not observe that there was any adhesion of foreign bodies to the surface of the acupuncture needle. In conclusion, using powder-free gloves prevents foreign bodies from adhering to the acupuncture needles from the fingers of the acupuncturist.