Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?

They do not reuse needles now...everything is disposable.

A needle is used once and thrown away.

The needle is already sterile.

For what? People?

If for lethal injections for people they an IV and the various solutions are administered. One to knock them out, one to paralyze the body and one to stop the heart. It takes about 3-5 minutes, but the wait can be up to a half an hour before pronouncing death has occurred.

I know, it makes no sense, the person's going to die anyways. I'm assuming its just standard procedure because every time a person gets a shot, injection, etc. the needle must be sterilized.

Anyone who uses needles has a routine. The cleaning of the arm, the cleaning of the needle. Just a habit that is very important.

Not sure....I wonder what one of those used needles would be worth after a famous homicidal maniac is put down for the last time? Antiques Roadshow....be on the lookout!

I say hand that needle to the family ...just like the American flag at a Funeral for Vets...

They can frame it for viewing too!

What a wonderful conversation piece that would make. lol.

Probably easier to grab a sterilized needle than a used one. Heaven forbid if the health worker handling the injection accidentally pricked themselves, at least it would be clean.

It's just best not to have dirty needles lying around for future use.

On occasion someone has been exonerated at the last second with the needle in his arm. They have to take all precautions with their health.

I suppose sterilizing the needle is a way of denying that they're violating their oath to "Do No Harm."

This is really a good question!! The medical industy could just recycle AIDS infected needles for lethal injections and make it a slow painful death. But, that's kinda sick, too. I'm bordering on morbid today.

It makes them look more humane and professional to the people that are watching. As if you really can make an execution look humane.