Source: bing.comA hypodermic needle is a crucial medical tool used for injecting drugs, medications, and vaccines into the body. It is a hollow needle that is attached to a syringe, and it comes in different sizes and shapes for various medical purposes. In this article, we will discuss the different types of hypodermic needles and their applications.
Standard hypodermic needles
Source: bing.comThe standard hypodermic needle is the most commonly used needle in medical practice. It is available in various sizes ranging from 14 to 32 gauge, with 14 being the largest and 32 being the smallest size. The larger the gauge number, the smaller the needle's diameter. Standard hypodermic needles are used for a wide range of injections, including intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intravenous injections.
Insulin needles
Source: bing.comInsulin needles are specially designed for insulin injections. They are shorter and thinner than standard hypodermic needles, with gauge sizes ranging from 28 to 31. People with diabetes or other medical conditions that require insulin injections use insulin needles. Insulin needles are also used for injecting other medications that require smaller doses.
Spinal needles
Source: bing.comSpinal needles are longer and thinner than standard hypodermic needles, with a length of 3 to 5 inches and a gauge size ranging from 22 to 27. They are used for spinal anesthesia, a medical procedure that numbs the lower body during surgery. Spinal needles are also used for spinal taps, a diagnostic test that involves the removal of cerebrospinal fluid from the spine.
Butterfly needles
Source: bing.comButterfly needles, also known as scalp vein needles, are small needles with flexible wings on either side. They are primarily used for taking blood samples or injecting medications into veins located on the back of the hand or the forearm. Butterfly needles are usually smaller in gauge size, ranging from 18 to 27. They are less painful than standard hypodermic needles and are preferred by people who have a fear of needles.
Huber needles
Source: bing.comHuber needles are long, thin needles with a bent tip that is used for inserting a catheter into a vein for long-term access. They are used in chemotherapy and other treatments that require frequent injections or infusions. Huber needles are available in different sizes and can be used with a variety of catheters.
Bone marrow needles
Source: bing.comBone marrow needles are long and thick needles used for bone marrow aspirations and biopsies. They are available in different sizes, with a gauge size ranging from 8 to 18. Bone marrow needles are used to collect samples of bone marrow from the hip bone to diagnose blood cancer and other conditions that affect the blood and bone marrow.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hypodermic needles come in different shapes and sizes, each designed for specific medical purposes. The type of hypodermic needle used depends on the medical procedure and the patient's needs. It is essential to use the appropriate needle to ensure the safety and comfort of the patient.