Several studies suggest that up to 16% of adults forgo vaccinations due to a fear of needles. According to some studies, up to 1 in 10 people experience a fear of needles.
The truth is medical syringes are the lifeline that keeps our bodies healthy. We need to face our fears and overcome them.
The healthcare industry faces many challenges when administering medications to patients using the best medical equipment. Medical needles could pose potential risks to a patient, such as needlestick hazards that could expose workers to a variety of pathogens.
It is important to improve the needle delivery process so there are fewer potential risks to patients. Not sure where to start? Check out the list below for what to know about the different types of needles used for private medical practice.
Intravenous Needles
These needles are used to administer fluids, medications, or other treatments into a patient’s veins. They are often inserted into the arm, foot, or any location via a plastic tube or catheter. These needles must be sterile and properly used to minimize the risk of infection or complications.
These needles come in a variety of sizes and materials, such as stainless steel and plastic. The most popular needle sizes range from 18 to 27 gauge and lengths from 8 to 100 millimeters.
Different individuals will need different needles, depending on the type of medication and the vein’s size and location. You may want to check it out here for more options.
Intramuscular Needles
Intramuscular needles, also known as IM needles, are hollow needles used for injections given into a muscle. They differ from other medical needles in that they must penetrate deep enough into the muscle for medication to be absorbed efficiently.
IM needles are thicker than those used for other injection methods. Common sizes range from 20 to 25 gauges in length, with longer needles used for larger or deeper muscular injections. The thicker size also makes these needles suitable for injecting medications with suspension formulations (e.g., vaccines).
IM needle designs can vary among brands and models. They usually feature an anatomic hub, which has an opaque cap to make sure the needle tip is pointed correctly.
Suturing Needles
Suturing needles is a key component of medical needle technology. They are designed for sutures with grooved edges for added strength and have blunt tips to prevent tissue damage.
These needles come in a variety of shapes and sizes. This includes standard round bodies, reverse-cutting, cutting, and tapered designs. Suturing needles are used to join skin, soft tissues, and blood vessels, although they can be used for other tasks such as closing wounds or repairing organs, muscles, and nerves.
Bone Biopsy Needles
Bone biopsy needles are designed to collect samples from the bones for analysis. These needles are long, thin, and sharp. Their design allows them to access difficult-to-reach areas, making them ideal for collecting samples from deeper areas in the bone.
These needles can be inserted into a joint, the spinal cord, or the cortex of a long bone. The needles are equipped with a sharp cutting edge that can penetrate deep into the cancellous or cortical bone layer, often requiring the use of a specialized device.
Understanding the Different Types of Medical Needles
Medical needles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and uses. The different types of medical needles all provide a beneficial purpose in medical care. With advances in technology, there are now many options available to medical professionals to provide safe and efficient medical care.
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