Q&A for How to Unclog a Syringe

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  • Question
    Are there any other methods for unclogging a blocked syringe?
    Ian Kroes, MD
    Family Medicine Physician
    Dr. Ian Kroes is a board-certified Family Medicine Physician and the Founder of Peninsula Doctor, a concierge medical practice in Menlo Park, California. With over 20 years of professional experience, Dr. Kroes specializes in Primary Care, which encompasses care for the entire family. In addition, Dr. Kroes has a deep interest in longevity care that focuses on ways to optimize patients' health. This includes attention to nutrition, fitness, and preventative testing. Dr. Kroes received a B.S. in Applied Physical from UC Berkeley and has earned a medical degree from Stanford University.
    Family Medicine Physician
    Expert Answer
    You can put a needle through the opening of the syringe if there's some particulate matter blocking the syringe. Keep in mind that the syringe cannot be used medically or should not be used for any medical purposes because this will make the syringe unsterile.
  • Question
    How do you get dried blood out of a syringe?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    You can unclog a syringe with dried blood in it by removing the syringe needle with a pair of pliers or by unscrewing it, filling a container that can hold the needle and syringe with hot water, and soaking them in the water for about 5 minutes. Then, remove the needle and syringe and reattach them, pull some of the water into the syringe through the needle and push it out by pressing on the plunger to force out any remaining pieces of the clog.
  • Question
    Can you use the same syringe twice on yourself?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    No, it's really unsanitary and unsafe to use the same syringe and needle on yourself twice. It can spread disease and potentially cause an infection. To be safe, discard both the needle and the syringe in an appropriate disposal container.
  • Question
    How do you remove a plunger from a syringe?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    Most plungers on a syringe can be removed simply by pulling it all the way to the end, then pulling it out of the syringe with a swift tug. Some syringes have a plunger that needs to be rotated in order to be removed. Pull the plunger to the end of the syringe and rotate it to unscrew it to remove it.
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