When pulling porcupine quills out of unlucky patients, I find it helpful to place the discarded quills in a small bowl of water lined with a paper towel. The quills separate from the instrument when dipped in water and are easy to dispose of by lifting out the paper towel and discarding it in the trash. No more quills in the laundry or stuck in the sink.

Dr. Yoanna Y. Maitre
Lenox, Mass.