2007-03-21 11:46:44 · 12 answers · asked by jim s 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
I've answered this question before. First, all hypodermic needles today are prepackaged and presterilized. Secondly, and probably what you meant to ask is why would they "swab" the injection site. Obviously preventing infection on the inmate isn't necessary. However, the phlebotomist is practicing aseptic technique to prevent themselves from being infected, especially from an accidental needle stick. Many inmates have HIV or Hepatitis C.
2007-03-21 15:55:56 · answer #1 · answered by Rickydotcom 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
The needles they receive are probably already sterilized, plus it doesn't take much to sterilize needles. Also, if someone got a lethal injection from an unsterilized needle and got an infection from it (or if the injection does not kill the convicted the first time - it's been known to happen - and got an infection), the family could probably sue the government, because everyone seems to be litigation happy these days.
That being said, I'm pretty sure it's a protective measure against litigations.
2007-03-21 19:06:12 · answer #2 · answered by kenzie 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Why does this question keep showing up on this site? You can't buy the things non-sterile. They use the same IV catheters that are in the prison infirmary, bought sterile, in bulk, from a medical supply house. It would be a huge bother and expense to go out of the way to get non-sterile needles. My grandfather sterilized his own needles in the 1930's and 40's, but that was a long time ago. This is the era of the disposable kit.
2007-03-21 23:54:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be more difficult to get an unsterile needle than to just use one from a sterile package. The majority of IV needles come sterile from the manufacturer.
2007-03-21 21:41:01 · answer #4 · answered by J 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
HA, interesting question. My only guess would be that it would A) make them feel more humane, and B) not give the family of the dude getting injected have any room for filing a suit against the governement for "mistreatment of the prisoner".....
still laughing at this question actually though because now that you mention it, it does seem like a waste of time to do that.
2007-03-21 18:56:24 · answer #5 · answered by sillygoose08 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have no idea, I guess it's to prevent infecting anybody that the lethal injection didn't kill.
You know how people will sue for anything. Just another opportunity for an easy $100,000.
2007-03-21 20:36:12 · answer #6 · answered by -:- Masha -:- 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
L.B. and Werewolf, after the shot they're going to bury everything! And I agree, who's paying for the needles, and the fluid in the needle. Just give him/her a drink of spiked Kool Aid -spiked with poison - like they used in Jonesburg, SO. America. Much cheaper. And no color TV's.
2007-03-21 18:58:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I didn't know they did that. Where are you getting your information?
But if they did, maybe its to prevent disease from growing inside the dead body of the prisoner. Someone is going to have to handle his body for burial, so they don't want those people to get infected.
2007-03-21 19:28:32 · answer #8 · answered by . 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's a common medical practice, and it's common sense
it would be unprofessional to do otherwise
it prevents the spread of disease to all involved in the procedure, not just the inmate
2007-03-21 18:55:14 · answer #9 · answered by TedRoy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it is simple. they will sterilize a needle for anything because they don't want any deceases spreading around.
2007-03-21 18:50:44 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋