For many, needles and syringes evoke unease, yet they’re crucial for countless people who require regular medication administration. Selecting the right needle and syringe can be complex, as different designs serve different purposes. This guide offers essential insights into choosing needles and syringes that fit your needs, ensuring safe and effective administration.
Choosing the correct needle and syringe involves understanding various aspects that impact medication delivery and patient comfort. Here are the primary factors to consider:
There are two main types of syringe connections: Luer Lock and Luer Slip.
Beyond the common Luer Lock and Slip varieties, there are other syringe types that cater to specific needs:
The gauge of a needle refers to the diameter or width of the hole in the needle. The higher the gauge number, the smaller the hole and the thinner the needle. High gauge needles may be required for use on smaller areas of the body with smaller veins such as the hands or feet. Thinner needles with a higher gauge often provide less pain to the patient and are best suited to low viscosity medications. Needles with a lower gauge are generally thicker and stronger. They are more suited to viscous medication and can withstand denser skin penetration.
Standard needles vary in length from ⅜” to 3 ½”. The length of the needle required is determined by its intended use. Different length needles are used for different areas and types of administration. Longer needles over ½” are more commonly used for intramuscular injections, whilst shorter needles, less than ½”, are more commonly used for intravenous (into the vein) injections. Subcutaneous injections usually require a needle that is between ½” and ⅝”.
Using the wrong needle length could result in poor administration and absorption of medication or damage the patient’s tissue and muscles resulting in bruising or bleeding.
The most common needle gauges are 26 and 27. This gauge range adapts to all three types of injections-intradermal, intramuscular and subcutaneous. Here’s a quick guide to common injection types and suitable needle sizes:
Injection Type Gauge Range Length Intramuscular 26G - 30G ⅞” - 1½” Subcutaneous 19G - 27G ½” - ⅝” Intradermal 26G - 28G ⅜” - ¾”
The syringe you choose should accurately hold the correct dose of medication that you need to administer. It’s usually recommended that you choose a syringe that has a slightly larger capacity than the dose required, for example, a 5ml syringe for a dose of 3.5ml is just fine. This eliminates the need to inject twice with two smaller doses. However, you should not choose a syringe that is exceptionally larger than your required amount of medication as this could lead to difficulty with accurately measuring the dose.
Low dead space syringes have a much smaller space between the plunger and the needle hub when fully pushed in. The dead space in a syringe holds a small amount of fluid after it has been used and research has shown that this Low Dead Space syringes could reduce the chance of spreading infections and disease. Low dead space syringes also help to eliminate inaccurate dosing and produce a smaller amount of medication waste. The dead space at the end of the syringe has been eliminated by extending the grommet to fill the dead space.
In the UK, medical syringes and needles can be bought through several reputable sources, including local pharmacies, medical suppliers, and online marketplaces specialising in health products.
Pharmacies may offer standard syringes, particularly for common uses like insulin administration. For more specific or specialised medical syringes, online suppliers such as ourselves, SHD Medical, provide a wider selection, many of which are categorised by type, gauge, and intended use.
When purchasing syringes online, it’s important to choose sellers that adhere to UK healthcare standards and regulations to ensure quality and safety. Many UK-based suppliers offer bulk purchase options, which can be cost-effective for healthcare facilities or individuals needing regular use of syringes for treatments or personal care.
Selecting the correct needle and syringe can be critical to effective medication administration. By understanding syringe volume, needle gauge, and type, you can ensure safe, efficient delivery. Remember to consult your healthcare provider for specific recommendations tailored to your health needs. You can browse our extensive range of needles and syringes here.
Sources:
https://www.bd.com/en-us/offerings/capabilities/diabetes-care/insulin-syringes/insulin-syringe-faq
https://www.medisave.co.uk/needle-syringe-info
https://www.vitalitymedical.com/blog/selecting-syringes-and-needles.html
https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-select-the-correct-needle-size-for-an-injection-2616536
