Hypodermic needles are one of the most commonly used medical devices in healthcare and is now easier than ever when it comes to ordering medical needles in the UK. They are used for a variety of purposes, including administering medication, drawing blood, and injecting vaccines. Hypodermic needles are typically made of stainless steel and have a sharp, pointed tip that allows them to penetrate the skin with minimal discomfort.
Proper usage and handling of hypodermic needles is essential to ensure patient safety and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Healthcare professionals must be trained to use needles correctly and to dispose of them safely. Sharps disposal bins should be readily available in all healthcare settings, and smaller needle securing systems can be used when disposal bins are not available.
It is important to note that hypodermic needles come in different sizes and gauges, with smaller numbers indicating a larger needle. The most common gauge size for injections is 25-27, while 18-22 gauge needles are used for drawing blood. Following proper usage and handling guidelines can help minimise the risks associated with hypodermic needle use and ensure safe and effective patient care.
Historical Evolution of Hypodermic Needles
Origins and Early Developments
The history of hypodermic needles dates back to ancient times when hollow reeds were used for medicinal purposes. The Greeks and Romans also used them for anointing the body with oil and as musical instruments. However, the first recorded use of a hypodermic needle was in the late 17th century when Sir Christopher Wren used a goose quill to inject opium into a dog’s vein.
In the 19th century, Francis Rynd invented a hollow needle that could be used to inject fluids directly into the body. He used it to inject a solution of iron into a patient’s spleen. Alexander Wood later improved upon Rynd’s design by creating a syringe with a plunger that could be used to control the flow of fluid. This innovation paved the way for the widespread use of hypodermic needles in medicine.
Innovations in the 19th and 20th Centuries
In the 1850s, Charles Pravaz and Alexander Wood developed a needle fine enough to pierce the skin. This allowed for the injection of morphine as a painkiller. In the 1890s, Charles Hunter developed a silver hypodermic needle that was more durable than previous models.
During World War II, the demand for hypodermic needles increased dramatically. Colin Murdoch invented the disposable syringe, which was made of plastic and could be mass-produced. This innovation revolutionized the medical industry and made hypodermic needles more accessible to people worldwide.
Design and Types of Hypodermic Needles
Hypodermic needles are hollow, cylindrical devices used for injecting fluids into the body or extracting fluids from it. They are designed to be inserted into the skin, subcutaneous tissue, or muscle, depending on the type of injection required. The design of hypodermic needles has evolved over time to meet the needs of various medical procedures. There are several types of hypodermic needles available, each designed for specific purposes.
Gauge and Length Variations
Hypodermic needles are available in different gauge sizes and lengths. The gauge of a needle refers to its diameter, with smaller numbers indicating a larger needle. The most common gauge size for injections is 25-27, while 18-22 gauge needles are used for drawing blood. The length of a needle is also important, as it determines how deep the needle can penetrate into the tissue. Longer needles are used for deeper injections, while shorter needles are used for more superficial injections.
Specialised Hypodermic Needles
Some of these include:
- Blunt needles: These needles have a blunt tip and are used for injecting fluids into the skin without puncturing the skin. They are commonly used in cosmetic procedures, such as injecting fillers and Botox.
- Epidural needles: These needles are used for injecting anaesthetic into the epidural space of the spine. They are longer than regular hypodermic needles and have a curved tip for easier insertion.
- Insulin needles: These needles are used for injecting insulin into the body. They are shorter and thinner than regular hypodermic needles and are designed for subcutaneous injections.
- Spinal needles: These needles are used for injecting anaesthetic into the spinal canal. They are longer and thinner than regular hypodermic needles and have a sharp, bevelled tip for easier insertion.
- Plastic needles: These needles are made of plastic and are used for injecting fluids into the body. They are less expensive than metal needles and are often used in situations where a disposable needle is required.
The design of hypodermic needles has come a long way since their invention in the mid-1800s. Today, hypodermic needles are made from stainless steel or niobium tube and are manufactured using tube drawing or other advanced techniques. They are available in a range of gauge and length variations, as well as specialised designs for specific medical procedures.
Best Practices for Usage and Handling
Safe Injection Techniques
When using hypodermic needles, it is important to ensure that safe injection techniques are followed to prevent the risk of needlestick injuries and maintain sterility. The following are some best practices for safe injection techniques:
- Always use sterile needles and syringes to maintain sterility.
- Use the appropriate needle size for the type of injection being given, such as an intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous injection.
- Use a luer lock needle and tubing to prevent accidental disconnection during injection.
- Ensure that the injection site is clean and dry before injection.
- Use a separate needle and syringe for each injection to prevent contamination.
Preventing Needlestick Injuries
Needlestick injuries can be prevented by following the proper handling and disposal procedures. The following are some best practices for preventing needlestick injuries:
- Always handle needles with care to prevent accidental needlestick injuries.
- Never recap needles after use as it can lead to accidental needlestick injuries.
- Dispose of used needles in a sharps container immediately after use to prevent accidental needlestick injuries.
- Always wear gloves when handling needles to maintain sterility and prevent contamination.
- Practice good hand hygiene before and after handling needles to prevent the spread of infection.
Disposal and Contamination Prevention
Proper disposal of hypodermic needles is crucial in preventing contamination and accidental injury. Used needles should never be thrown in the trash or flushed down the toilet. Instead, they should be placed in a sharps container that is specifically designed for this purpose. Sharps containers can be purchased at most pharmacies or medical supply stores. Once the container is full, it should be sealed and disposed of according to local regulations.
In addition to proper disposal, there are several steps that can be taken to prevent contamination during medical procedures that involve the use of hypodermic needles. First and foremost, healthcare providers should always wear gloves when handling needles. This helps to prevent the transfer of bacteria or other harmful substances from the patient to the provider or vice versa.
Another important step in preventing contamination is to use single-use needles whenever possible. Reusing needles can increase the risk of infection and other complications. If a needle must be reused, it should be properly sterilized before each use.
Finally, it is important to never recap a used needle. This is a common cause of accidental injury and can also increase the risk of contamination. Instead, needles should be immediately placed in a sharps container after use.
