Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?

In case the condemned receives a stay of execution at the last minute.

Since no one knows if the condemned will be receive a stay at the last minute, standard medical infection rules apply. This includes swabbing the IV area with alcohol and iodine as well as using sterile, one-time-use needles.

Regardless of setting, using sterilized needles makes things safer for everyone involved. It avoids any improper infection, making cause of death easier to rule. Also, having sterilized needles prevents staff members from getting any infection due to cross-contamination.

It does seem counter-intuitive, yes. But since the main reason is to keep the condemned healthy until death is administered, spending the extra time to sanitize and sterilize is well worth it.

The needles are mass produced for all medical needs and as such, during production all batches are sterilised.

Also, in the rare case of a condemed prisoner surviving the act of execution (in which case they receive a pardon), the needles are sterilized so that the prisoner will not get an infection and therefore sue the state.

All needles in this usa are mandated via regulation to be made sterile. in the event that they are used for deadly injection or in basic terms injection of a vaccine or despite, they are made sterile.

How did you come to know that??

Needles are often purchased, enclosed in sterile packaging from the manufacturer.

---I'm not sure what needles are used for lethal injections, and I'm not sure why an autoclave would be required.

Edit: wow! I read some of the answers above me...."in case the person survives and sues??"...wtf??

Because the needle simply starts an I.V. line into which the lethal substances are fed, and there's always the chance of a last-minute reprieve.

Good question...

I have always preferred the following for death penalty myself:

- Public hanging (gets the point across better, I remember hearing stories about back in the day..)

- The electric chair *old sparky*

- Firing squad or just some guy (I myself would do this for free, hate murders and child molesters) just poppin 2 rounds in the back of someones melon right behind the ear.

For the protection and safety of the people giving the injection...

Maybe they fear contaminated needles could make it less lethal! Ever heard of poison killing poison?!?

Ahh, I know my answer is lame :))

Protocol! lol!

Peace and Blessings

I asked this same question. I am guess law suits have to deal with it. I also wonder do they have fire exits on prison buses.