Choosing the Right Syringe: A Guide to the Different Types of Syringes

A syringe is a simple pump that allows for the injection of medicines into the skin, muscle, or veins. The syringe consists of a plunger that fits snugly into a specially calibrated cylinder made of glass or plastic. Equipped with either a nozzle, tubing, or a hypodermic needle, the syringe can either be pushed or pulled to direct the flow of medication.

While mostly used for medical purposes, syringes can also be used to apply lubricants or glues, or for drawing and measuring liquids. The main body of the syringe can come in many different sizes for different purposes. The syringe tips, however, are where the majority of the utility is.

What sort of tips can you get for syringes? What are they used for? Read on the learn the different kinds of syringes.

Leur Lock Tip

Leur locks are the most common syringes in use, but Leur lock connectors can also be found on the tubing for subcutaneous fluids or intravenous cannula. They were developed in the nineteenth century as a seal for glass bottles, but were soon adapted for syringes and led to standardization over the years by the medical industry. Leur locks also help to reduce chances for infection due to the ability to cap them when used intravenously.

Slip Tip

Slip tip syringes need to be pushed into place and use friction to stay on the barrel of the syringe. They are cheaper than other types of syringes and are used when a quick injection is needed. Can also be used for intramuscular injections and diabetic injections.

Catheter Tip

Catheter tips, like slip tips, use friction to stay on the barrel and have longer and more tapered tips. These syringes are used to clean catheters and other medical tubing. They are also used for wound irrigation or surface and arterial injections.

Eccentric Tip

Eccentric tip syringes are used when a medication needs to be given parallel to the patient’s skin. They can also be used for surface veins without the risk of piercing both of the vascular walls. Eccentric tip syringes also make it easy to aspirate liquid medications into the lungs.

Insulin Tip

Insulin tip syringes are syringes that have a needle permanently attached. They are used to administer low-dose medication such as tuberculin or insulin, or other such medications. The needle is long and thin to help prevent bruising at the injection site.

Types of Syringes

Syringes are important tools in the medical industry with many applications. Recognizing the different tips and which is best for which usage is important for doctors the keep in mind. Using the wrong kind could cause many problems.

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