Choosing the Correct Syringe Needle

The variety of medical applications requiring needles calls for an increase in the types of needles available. Diameter and length characterize each type of syringe needle, and the choice of which instrument to use stems from the medication being used and the type of injection to be given.

NEEDLE GAUGE

The gauge of the needle measures its diameter or thickness. A smaller gauge number represents a larger needle size. For instance, a 33-gauge tip is smaller or finer than a 24-gauge. Choosing the smallest gauge that effectively administers the medication or draws a sample improves patient care and decreases pain.

NEEDLE LENGTH

Syringe needle length comes into play with the type of injection. For instance, intramuscular injections reach deep into the muscle. As might be expected, a shorter needle would not get the job done. These types of injections work best when longer and slightly thicker needles are used. Typically, medications requiring a slower system entry, such as Morphine, dictate the use of this syringe needle.

Subcutaneous injections target the fat layer that lies just beneath the skin’s surface. A short, thinner needle becomes the perfect choice in these cases. An example of this type of syringe needle is the insulin syringe.

NEEDLE SAFETY

Advancements in medical supply technology provide safety features as well. Safety syringes house the sharp needle in a plastic shield. This casing allows for transport of the syringe while avoiding or at least decreasing the danger of needle sticks. Higher cost and limited sizes of safety syringes limit their use in the some arenas of the healthcare field.

Needle-free syringe options also provide protection from needle sticks. The tip of this syringe screws onto a rubber port, causes it to open and allows the medication to be injected. The risk of needle sticks is eliminated and healthcare worker safety enhanced with these syringes.

The ultimate factor in choosing the correct syringe needle is the patient. First, the medical need and most effective, safest delivery system must be considered. Second, choosing the needle type which best reduces the pain of the patient (given their medical need) demonstrates quality of care.