Investigation of Micromorphological Characteristics of Acupuncture Needle Tip Sold in Europe

유럽에서 유통되는 일회용침 끝의 미세 형태에 대한 관찰

Objectives : In order to ensure safe acupuncture treatment, the quality of the needle tip is essential. But, there have not been so many studies about the quality of the acupuncture needle tip. For this reason we have been already reported about the quality of acupuncture needle tip in Korea using scanning electron microscope(SEM) in 2002, 2003. In order to compare than other society, we investigated the current condition of the tips of the acupuncture needles sold in Europe. Methods : We obtained the needles made by 7 companies, which are sold currently in Europe, and selected 50 pieces out of 100 pieces from each company by randomized methods. And then we observed the tip of each needle using a scanning electron microscope at ${\times}800$ magnification. Results and Discussion : We found that needles had several defects such as scratch marks on the surface, metallic scuff, lumps and irregularities of the needle tips, stubbed or malformed tips, tips of point off-center, peeled off coated tips, same as Korean needles. There was much difference on the quality of needles among the manufacturers, and some needles seem to need thorough quality control. Allowing for the high price, the quality of some needle in Europe generally are better than that of Korean needles. But some Korean needles hold a top position than European ones in quality. We want a good industrial standard to be made in acupuncture manufacturing fields in the near future, because the safety is not less valuable than the efficacy in medicine.