Syringes & Needles
A variety of high quality sterile needles and syringes available to buy online. Whether you are looking for Sterile Needles, Syringes, Cannula or combined needles and syringes, we have an extensive range to suit your needs.
Shop the full range of medical needles designed to meet the needs of healthcare professionals
Best selling latex free syringes in a variety of sizes
The best quality sterile needles all at fantastic prices
Our range of insulin syringes with & without needles
Sterile syringes all including needles for ease of use
For easy and hygienic blood letting and testing applications
Enforcing the EU Directive to reduce needlestick injuries
Range of high-quality cannulas and catheters perfect for infusion therapy
Alcohol wipes for cleansing skin prior to injections
To aid medical professionals when taking blood
Suitable for use on animals for medical procedures
Secure bins for disposing of all types of sharps
Your Ultimate Buying Guide To Syringes & Needles
Welcome to the ultimate resource for syringes and needles. Whether you're a healthcare professional seeking detailed information or a patient looking to understand more about these essential medical tools, you've come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about syringes and needles to ensure your safety and well-being.
What Are Syringes and Needles?
1. Syringes
Syringes are vital instruments used for administering and extracting fluids from the body. They consist of three main components: a barrel, a plunger, and a tip. These devices come in various sizes, ranging from 0.5 millilitres to over 60 millilitres, catering to a wide range of medical needs. Common syringe types include:
- Luer Lock Syringes: These syringes feature a threaded tip that securely locks needles in place, reducing the risk of accidental detachment during use.
- Luer Slip Syringes: With a smooth tip, Luer Slip syringes rely on friction to hold needles in place. They are frequently used for basic injections.
Check out some of our Leur Slip and Leur Lok Syringes...
3-part syringes ensure minimal medicine wastage for accurate dosing
Popular latex free sterile BD luer slip syringes in a variety of sizes
Produced in a more sustainable way, minimising environmental impact
For clinical applications where avoiding needle disengagement is crucial
2. Needles Types
Needles are the fine, sharp implements attached to the tip of syringes. Their primary purpose is to puncture the skin or other tissues for the delivery or withdrawal of fluids. Needle sizes are characterized by two key measurements:
- Gauge: Gauge refers to the thickness of the needle. Higher gauge numbers indicate thinner needles, e.g., a 30-gauge needle is finer than a 22-gauge needle.
- Length: Needle length varies depending on the intended use. Shorter needles are ideal for intradermal or subcutaneous injections, while longer needles are suitable for intramuscular or intravenous injections.
3. Types of Syringes and Needles
To ensure the safe and effective use of these medical tools, it's important to understand the different kinds available:
- Insulin Syringes and Needles
Designed specifically for administering insulin to diabetic patients, insulin syringes feature a fine-gauge needle for virtually painless injections.
Check out some of our Insulin Syringes...
Graduated in 1 unit intervals, for doses over 30-50 units
Graduated in 1 unit intervals, for doses between 30-50 units
Graduated in 2 unit intervals, for doses over 50 units
Graduated in 1 unit intervals, for doses over 30-50 units
- Tuberculin Syringes and Needles
Tuberculin syringes are calibrated in millilitres (mL) and are perfect for precise dosing, such as tuberculosis tests.
- Standard Syringes and Needles
Versatile and widely used across various medical applications, standard syringes and needles are employed for tasks ranging from vaccinations to blood collection.
- Safety Syringes and Needles
Equipped with safety features to minimize needlestick injuries, safety syringes and needles play a crucial role in healthcare settings.
View some of our Syringe and Needle ranges...
Our range of insulin syringes with & without needles
The best quality sterile needles all at fantastic prices
Best selling latex free syringes in a variety of sizes
Sterile syringes all including needles for ease of use
4.Choosing the Appropriate Needle Length
When determining the suitable needle length, several factors come into play, primarily based on the individual's physique. The choice between needle lengths hinges on whether you are dealing with an adult or a child and the specific injection site.
For Adults vs. Children:
- For adults, longer needles are often necessary due to their larger body size.
- Children typically require shorter needles, given their smaller frame.
Considering the Injection Site:
- Intramuscular Injections: Intramuscular injections penetrate deeper into the muscle tissue, bypassing the subcutaneous layer of skin. Optimal gauges for intramuscular injections typically fall in the range of 23 to 25 G (gauge).
- Body Fat Consideration: Individuals with less body fat may find a needle length of about an inch suitable. Heavier individuals may require slightly longer needles to ensure proper delivery.
- Subcutaneous Injections: These injections are shallow, necessitating shorter and finer needles. Typically, a needle with a gauge ranging from 27 to 30 G and a length of approximately 1/2" is suitable for subcutaneous injections.
In summary, selecting the right needle length is contingent on factors like the patient's age, the injection site, and their body composition. It's essential to choose the appropriate needle length to ensure safe and effective administration of medications.
5. Proper Disposal of Syringes and Needles
Safe disposal of syringes and needles is paramount to prevent injuries and protect the environment. Always adhere to local disposal guidelines and consider utilizing designated sharps containers for safe disposal.
Check out some of our Sharps Disposal Bins...
Designed specifically for the disposal of insulin syringes
Partially discharged & empty sharps including medicine contaminated
Sharps contaminated with cytotoxic and cytostatic medicines
Solid pharmaceutical waste such as medicine in or out of packaging
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How do I choose the right needle gauge?
Choosing the right needle gauge depends on factors like the patient's comfort, the type of medication, and the injection site. Thicker needles (lower gauge) are often used for thicker medications or intramuscular injections, while thinner needles (higher gauge) are preferred for delicate areas or subcutaneous injections.
Q2. Are safety needles necessary?
Safety needles are highly recommended, especially in healthcare settings, to reduce the risk of needlestick injuries. They have mechanisms that cover or retract the needle after use, enhancing safety for both patients and healthcare providers.
Q3. Can I reuse needles and syringes?
Reusing needles and syringes is not recommended as it can lead to contamination and infection. Always use a new, sterile needle and syringe for each injection.
Q4. Where can I purchase syringes and needles?
You can buy syringes and needles from reputable sources such as pharmacies, medical supply stores, or online retailers. Ensure you have a valid prescription for controlled substances.
In Conclusion
Syringes and needles are indispensable tools in healthcare. Understanding their types, applications, and proper disposal practices is essential for both medical professionals and patients. This guide aims to provide you with comprehensive insights into the world of syringes and needles, ensuring your knowledge and safety.
For top-quality syringes and needles and expert guidance, explore our extensive selection of medical supplies. Feel free to get in touch with any questions or to place an order.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for proper guidance on syringe and needle usage.