A study for biocompatibility of acupuncture's metal material - Focused on chemical composition and mechanical character -

침 금속재료에 대한 생체적합성 연구 - 화학적 조성 및 기계적 특성을 중심으로 -

Objective : To present a criteria for acupuncture standardization, which will improve quality of acupuncture and secure safety, through studies of the biocompatibility of acupuncture. Methods : The acupunctures distributed in Korea were studied. The chemical composition, elasticity, and the solidity of the acupuncture's metal material was analyzed. Results & Conclusions : 1) The acupunctures distributed in Korea were all produced with ST304. Because acupuncture is used on a living body, the corrosion resistance, allergy proof and magnetism of the metal material should be considered. In this point, STS316 stainless steel would be more suitable than ST304. 2) The elasticity and solidity of the acupuncture's metal material distributed in Korea meet the medical instrument standards of the Korea Food and Drug Administration. But since the standards are only roughly outlined, the criteria should be realized and standardized.