Are there current recommendations for bleach disinfection of needles and syringes?
Drug users who re-use or share injection equipment should be aware that this practice carries a high risk for acquiring and transmitting HIV and many other infectious diseases. The potential for HIV transmission is present in previously used needles and syringes (known as “works”) since a drug user will not know how much blood may be in the syringe or needle, or how much time has elapsed since the last use. Disinfecting “works” with bleach can help to reduce the risk of HIV transmission when no other safer options are available. You are encouraged to stop using drugs or, if that is not possible, use a clean, never-used needle and syringe each time you inject. Disinfection with bleach is not as safe as always using a sterile needle and syringe. However, the steps outlined here should enhance the effectiveness of bleach disinfection of needles and syringes. The recommended procedures consist of three basic steps: (1) cleaning the needle and syringe to remove blood, blood clots, and other
