GB/T 21709.4-2026Standardized manipulations of acupuncture and moxibustion - Part 4: Three-edged needle (English PDF)

4.1 Preoperative preparation

4.1.1 Needle Selection Different sizes of three-edged needles should be selected according to the patient's condition and the area to be treated. The needle body should be smooth and free of rust, and the needle tip should be sharp and free of barbs.

4.1.2 Location Selection The appropriate surgical site should be selected based on the patient's condition.

4.1.3 Body Position Selection The surgical position should be chosen in a way that is comfortable for the patient and easy for the surgeon to operate in.

4.1.4 Environmental Requirements Attention should be paid to environmental cleanliness and hygiene to avoid pollution.

4.1.5 Disinfection

4.1.5.1 Needle sterilization Needles should be free of contamination and comply with WS/T 367-2012 requirements. Disposable triangular needles are recommended.

4.1.5.2 Disinfection of the affected area The surgical site can be disinfected with 75% ethanol or povidone-iodine.

4.1.5.3 Disinfection of medical staff Doctors should wash their hands thoroughly and then wipe them with 75% ethanol.

4.1.6 Wear gloves After disinfection, medical personnel should wear disposable medical rubber examination gloves.

4.2 Procedure

4.2.1 Three-edged needle pricking method Before pricking, you can use methods such as pushing, kneading, squeezing, and stroking to induce local hyperemia at or around the pricking site. During pricking, use one hand to stabilize the pricking area. Hold the needle in one hand, with the other hand holding the needle tip exposed 3mm-5mm. Quickly insert the needle into the area to be punctured and then quickly withdraw it. The needle body should remain in a constant position during insertion and withdrawal. On the same axis. After pricking, a suitable amount of blood or mucus can be released. The amount of bleeding or fluid can also be increased by squeezing.

4.2.2 Three-edged needle bloodletting method Before bloodletting, you can use methods such as pushing, kneading, squeezing, stroking, and patting on or around the puncture site. For the limbs, you can use methods to stop bleeding near the heart of the puncture site. Ligation is applied to induce local congestion. During bloodletting, one hand stabilizes the area to be punctured, while the other hand holds the needle, exposing 3mm-5mm of the needle tip, and aims it at the puncture site. After quickly inserting the needle, withdraw it, release an appropriate amount of blood, and loosen the tourniquet.

4.2.3 Three-edged needle scattered needling method Use one hand to hold the puncture site in place, and use the other hand to prick the site multiple times with the needle.

4.2.4 Three-edged needle picking method Hold the puncture site with one hand, and with the other hand, insert the needle at an angle of 15° to 30° to a certain depth, then lift the needle tip to puncture the skin or subcutaneous tissue.

Note. Cupping should be performed after the application of the three-edged needle. For cupping instructions, see GB/T 21709.5.

4.3 Postoperative care After the procedure, it is advisable to wipe or apply pressure with sterile dry cotton balls or swabs. In cases of moderate to heavy bleeding, an open container can be used to collect the bleeding, minimizing related contamination. The materials were processed in accordance with GB 39707-2020.For the measurement of bleeding volume during treatment with a three-edged needle, see Appendix A.