Gauges And Needle Length
The measurements of needles relate to how long the needle is. When a needles measurement is 31G, the G refers to the gauge of the needle. This donates the thickness, size, or capacity.
The gauge and needle length will contribute to perceptions of pain when injecting.
The longer the needle is, the harder it is to pressurise the insulin through so it needs a bigger hole down the middle.
What Other Paraphernalia Might Someone Have
Needles arent the only sign of heroin injection. Heroin needles will likely be attached, or close in proximity to, a syringe or other form of applicator.
Injecting drug users may possess supplies, also known as the works, for sanitizing needles, dressing wounds, or tying off the arm for injection.
People who inject drugs like heroin may possess:
- syringes
What Are The Different Syringe Sizes
A syringe is a plastic or glass cylinder that contains a plunger that goes in one end and typically has a needle attached to the other. The term “syringe” can refer either to all three components the cylinder, plunder, and needle or just to the cylinder portion. Syringe sizes are indicated in milliliters and can range from 0.25 ml up to 450 ml. They also can be stated in cubic centimeters, where 1 cc is the approximate equivalent of 1 mL. These numbers indicate the volume of liquid that the cylinder is able to hold.
When referring to the unit as a whole, syringe sizes also might be given for the needle portion of the syringe because the size of the cylinder is often used to determine the size of the needle that will be attached to it. The needles themselves are categorized by length as well as the needle’s gauge, indicating the overall thickness of the needle. Contrary to most measurement systems, the higher the needle’s gauge, the smaller it actually is.
There are other types of syringes, however, that do not include a needle as a component of their design. These include oral syringes, which most often are used to dispense liquids to babies or small children. Oral syringes differ from standard syringes only because of their tapered tip in place of a needle, so the same sizes are used to indicate how much liquid can be contained within the cylinder.
Also Check: How Long Do Type 1 Diabetics Live
How Do I Dispose Of Syringes And Needles Safely
The easiest and safest way to dispose of syringes and needles is a two-step process. First, purchase a needle and sharps disposal container, and make sure that you put your syringes and needles in there when youre finished with them. They can remain in the sharps container safely for weeks or even months. After it’s full, dispose of the entire container according to your county or citys guidelines. Needles and syringes should never be thrown out, recycled, or left lying around.
MEDICAL ADVICE DISCLAIMERThe information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, charts, and any other material on this site, is intended for informational purposes only and does not take the place of medical guidance provided by your physician. No information on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified medical professional about your condition or circumstances before undertaking a new healthcare regimen.
If You A Diabetic Chances Are That You Have Heard Of Insulin When Pancreas No Longer Makes Enough Insulin To Control Blood Glucose Injecting Of Insulin Is Necessary People With Type One Diabetes Need Insulin Early People With Type Two Diabetes Also Require Insulin If Diet Exercise And Oral Medication Do Not Bring Blood Glucose Under Control
Currently, the only way to get insulin into the body is by injecting it. Most people with diabetes not already using insulin dread the thought of injections. However, the benefits of bringing blood glucose under control make it worth overcoming this fear. The good news is that insulin injections today are quite painless. Technology has advanced. Needles are finer and shorter than ever before, but still deliver insulin effectively.
You May Like: What Is A Normal A1c For A Non Diabetic
Importance Of Length And Gauge
Regarding size, it is important that people choose a length and gauge they are comfortable with.
Evidence notes that a persons size does not affect the efficacy or potential of insulin leakage when using shorter needles. Additionally, skin thickness is unlikely to vary much from person to person.
A also highlights that people are more likely to prefer using shorter needles. In most cases, it may be advisable for people to use needles ranging from 48 mm in length.
People may also prefer thinner needles, as they are typically easier to use than thicker needles. A 2015 study notes that thinner needles are usually less painful and easier to insert.
While it is important for people to use a suitable size needle, it is essential that they use the correct technique to administer the insulin and appropriately rotate injection sites to ensure they manage their blood sugar and avoid potential complications.
For Infants Children And Teens
Intramuscular injections: Injection site and needle size
- For newborns : Use anterolateral thigh muscle, 5/8″ needle, 2225 gaugeNote: For neonates and preterm infants, a 5/8″ needle is recommended if the skin is stretched flat between the thumb and forefinger and the needle is inserted at a 90-degree angle to the skin.
- For infants : Use anterolateral thigh muscle, 1″ needle, 2225 gauge
- For toddlers : There are two options for injection site and needle length:
- Anterolateral thigh muscle use 1″1¼” needle, 2225 gauge
- Deltoid muscle if muscle mass adequate, use 5/8″1″ needle, 2225 gauge
Subcutaneous injections: Injection site and needle size
- For infants : Inject at a 45-degree angle into fatty tissue overlying the anterolateral thigh muscle use 5/8″ needle, 2325 gauge
- For children and teens : Inject at a 45-degree angle into fatty tissue overlying the triceps or anterolateral thigh;muscle use 5/8″ needle, 2325 gauge
Recommended Reading: How Long Do Type 1 Diabetics Live
Does Insulin Syringe Needle Length Matter
Although longer needles are often prescribed for patients with increased body fat, this practice actually has no clinical basis.
When it comes to diabetes therapy, insulin is pharmacists most valuable weapon.
Although oral therapies can offer convenience and reduce hypoglycemia risk, the glucose-lowering effects of insulin remain unrivaled. Simply put, insulin is diabetic hormone replacement therapy. Patients with hypothyroidism receive levothyroxine, while patients no longer making sufficient insulin can replace it exogenously.
A variety of needle lengths are available, ranging from 4 mm to 12.7 mm
Unfortunately, patients may resist starting insulin for many reasons, one of which is a fear of needles. Injecting insulin can be painful, especially when using longer needles. Painful injections are not only unpleasant for patients, but can also lead to medication noncompliance and poorer health outcomes.
Although longer needles are often prescribed for patients with increased body fat, this practice actually has no clinical basis. Insulin is meant to be injected into subcutaneous tissue, human skin is only 1.6 mm to 2.4 mm thick, on average. Because skin thickness doesnt increase significantly in overweight and obese patients, a 4-mm needle is sufficient to deliver insulin to subcutaneous tissue in patients of all sizes.
Related Content:
Insulin Syringes Used In Gestational Diabetes
An insulin syringe has four parts: a cap, a needle, a barrel, and a plunger. The needle is short and thin and covered with a fine layer of silicone to allow it to pass through the skin easily. A cap covers and protects the needle before it is used. The barrel is the long, thin chamber that holds the insulin. The barrel is marked with lines to measure the number of insulin units. The plunger is a long, thin rod that fits snugly inside the barrel of the syringe. It easily slides up and down to push the insulin out through the needle. The plunger has a rubber seal on the end that is inside the barrel, to prevent leakage. To measure the required amount of insulin, you move the rubber seal until it matches the correct line on the barrel. Insulin syringes are made in several sizes. Syringe size and insulin units Syringe size Number of units the syringe holds 1/4 mL or 0.25 mL 25 1/3 mL or 0.33 mL 30 1/2 mL or 0.50 mL 50 Use the smallest syringe size you can for the dose of insulin you need. The measuring lines on the barrel of small syringes are farther apart and easier to see. When you choose the size of syringe, consider the number of units you need to give and how well you can read the numbers on the barrel. A 0.25 mL or 0.33 mL syringe often is best for people who have poor eyesight, because the numbers on the barrel are larger and easier to see.Continue reading >>
You May Like: Diabetics Donating Blood
Heroin Needle: Identifying A Heroin Syringe
Possessing needles and syringes can be a sign of heroin use. Injection is the most common way people use heroin. Injecting heroin can cause a range of acute and long-term health consequences that may require medical and behavioral health treatment.
Heroin is a highly addictive drug that can cause a fast but short-lived high when injected into the veins , muscles , or under the skin .
Although heroin can also be snorted or smoked, shooting heroin is the most common way that heroin is used, especially among people aged 35 and older.
Drug paraphernalia associated with heroin injection includes:
- heroin needles
- heroin spoons
- heat source
Identifying drug paraphernalia in the possession of a family member or loved one can be one of the first warning signs of heroin addiction. Addiction to heroin can be treated in an inpatient or outpatient substance abuse program.
What Size Insulin Needle Should I Use
4.3/5sizeinsulinsyringesyringesyringeabout it here
The board recommends 4-, 5-, and 6-mm needles for all adult patients regardless of their BMI. It is also recommends inserting 4-, 5-, and 6-mm needles at a 90-degree angle and that, if needed, longer needles should be injected with either a skinfold or a 45-degree angle to avoid intramuscular injection of insulin.
Subsequently, question is, what are the best insulin syringes?
- SureComfort U-100 Insulin Syringes – 30G 1cc 1/2″ – BX 100. $ 14.49. 2 Reviews.
- Advocate Insulin Syringes – 31G 3/10cc 5/16″- BX 100. $ 11.49. 10 Reviews.
- EasyTouch Insulin Syringe – 29G 1CC 1/2in – 400 Syringes. $ 59.56.
- Vet’s Choice Insulin Syringes 29G U-40 1/2cc 1/2″ – Case of 500 Syringes. $ 69.95.
Additionally, what is the smallest needle for insulin?
NovoFine® Plus is 4 mm in length, our shortest insulin pen needle currently available. Although its size may suggest otherwise, when compared with longer and thicker needles, a 4 mm needle effectively delivers insulin regardless of patient body mass index .
What size needle is used for steroid injection?
Remember to use an 18-23 G with 1-1.5 inch needle to draw up the steroid into the syringe then switch the tip to an 21-25 G with 1-1.5 inch needle to inject the steroid into the muscle.
Also Check: What Is A Normal A1c Level
General Rule Of Thumb
The syringe should be big enough to comfortably accommodate the entire prescribed dose of insulin. As a general rule of thumb, buy a syringe whose barrel size is significantly larger than the required dose. For instance, if your doctor has prescribed 49 units of insulin and you go for 50-unit syringe, it will be rendered useless if your dose gets revised to 52 units. In such cases, it is always better to buy a 100-unit syringe. So, make sure that your daily dose is never equivalent or near the maximum amount of insulin the syringe can hold. All in all, buy the next size insulin syringe whenever the dose is close to the maximum volume of insulin the syringe can accommodate.
Another reason why you should not utilize the full capacity of the syringe is because there is a high probability that the plunger may not fit properly and get pushed out when administering the medicine.
In order to ensure that the correct dose is administered, it is of prime importance that you are able to identify the etched markings on the syringe. Difficulty in reading the markings can lead to the wrong dose being administered, which can eventually have a negative impact on your health. Measuring the dose in a lower capacity syringe is found to be simpler and chances of any error are minimal. However, you need to ensure that smaller capacity syringes cater to your daily insulin dose.
Factors Affecting Pain From Needle Insertion
To mitigate pain from hypodermic injections, the effect of needle geometry on pain has been investigated. Needle gauge has been shown to significantly affect the frequency of pain during needle insertion into the skin of human subjects. For example, insertion of a 27- or 28-gauge needle had an approximately 50% chance of being reported as painful, which was significantly greater than insertion of a 31-gauge needle , which had a 39% chance of causing pain. The likelihood of bleeding was also observed to decrease with decreasing needle diameter. Increasing needle length is also expected to increase pain, although to our knowledge the literature does not contain formal studies specifically demonstrating this effect.
In addition, the mechanics of needle insertion has been found to significantly affect pain. Both the force and the mechanical workload of hypodermic needle insertion have been found to positively correlate with the frequency of pain., Thus, needle tip sharpness and other factors, such as lubrication, which can reduce the force of insertion and mechanical workload, are important parameters that can be optimized to reduce pain from needle insertions.
You May Like: How Many Points Does Metformin Lower Blood Sugar
Bmi And Skin Thickness
Needle lengths for subcutaneous injections started out as long as 16 mm in 1985, and 12.7-mm needles were introduced in the early 1990s. Over time, with growing evidence of longer needles increasing risks for intramuscular injections and improved technology, shorter needles of 4, 5, 6, and 8 mm have been developed.
When evaluating skin thickness in 388 patients with BMIs varying from 19.4 to 64.5 kg/m2, Gibney et al. found that a 10-kg/m2 difference accounted for a 4-mm difference in subcutaneous tissue thickness. The average subcutaneous thickness ranged from 10.35 mm to 15.45 mm across all injection sites. This study concluded that 1) the thickness does not vary much between under-, normal-, or overweight individuals and that 2) BMI differences do not cause much variation in the level of skin thickness. The BMI differences were statistically significant but did not make a clinical impact . The skin thickness averages were 1.92.4 mm across several different injection sites , as well as across several BMI levels. With the upper end of skin thickness falling at 2.4 mm, it is logical to assume that a 4-mm needle would be effective in all patients. Therefore, the study further concluded that 4-mm needles would be able to successfully deliver insulin in most adult patients.
Choosing Needle Length And Gauge
Injection site, insulin dose, injection technique, body composition, and your age all influence the length and type of pen needle you should choose. Pen needles come in various gauges and lengths. The gauge is the diameter or thickness of the needle. The greater the gauge number, the thinner the needle. The length of a pen needle is measured in millimetres . The needle can be as short as 4 mm, to as long as 12.7 mm. The length of the needle determines how deep into the skins surface the insulin will be deposited.
A wide selection of needle lengths and gauges are available. Picking a pen needle that will best deliver the proper dose of insulin can be confusing. Insulin must be put into the subcutaneous tissue for it to work properly. Injecting too deeply could deliver insulin to the muscle, where it is absorbed too quickly. This means its action may not last as long as intended. Injecting too shallowly deposits insulin in the skin. This is painful and prevents the body from absorbing the insulin. Using the right pen needle helps ensure that insulin is injected where it has the best effect.
Insulin dose: Insulin doses can range from a tiny 0.5 unit up to 90 units. A smaller gauge pen needle is best for large doses of insulin . A smaller gauge needle, which has a larger diameter, allows a larger volume of insulin to flow through faster and with greater ease.
You May Like: Type 2 Diabetes Underweight
Recommended Needle And Syringe Sizes For Infants And Children
Newborn 0 to 28 days
The recommended needle gauge ranges between 22 and 25 with a length of 5/8 inches to be introduced to the anterolateral thigh muscle.
Infants 1 to 12 months;
The injection is introduced to the anterolateral thigh muscle with a needle gauge ranging from 22 to 25 and a needle length of 1 inch.
Toddler 1 to 2 years old
- The needle length ranges between 1 and 1 ¼ inch and gauges 22 to 25 injected to the anterolateral thigh muscle.
- For the deltoid muscle route, the ideal gauge ranges between 22 and 25 with a needle length of 5/8 to 1 inch.
Children 3 to 18 years-old
- For the deltoid muscle route, the needle gauges are 22 to 25 with a length of 5/8 to 1 inch.
- For anterolateral thigh muscles, the needle gauges are 22 to 25 and the ideal length is 1 to 1 ¼ inch.
For subcutaneous injections, the needle gauge ranges from 23 to 25 of at least 5/8 inches.
Recommended needle and syringe sizes for adults
For intramuscular injections, the usual route is the deltoid muscle. The ideal needle gauge ranges between 22 and 25 and a length of 1 to 1 ½ inch. However, the length of the needle should be in accordance with the patients weight.
The heavier the patient is the longer the needle should be. Aside from the deltoid muscle, intramuscular injections can also be done in the anterolateral thigh muscle.
Image 7: Syringes used for loading insulin.
Picture Source:;xmsymphony.com