Hypodermic needles are common to all medical facilities. One
can usually see a hypodermic needle in the end of syringes used to inject
substances or extract substance from the subject. Due to that purpose, all
hypodermic needles are hollow on the inside which allows substances to pass
through a stainless steel tube that the needle is made of. Here are some of the
characteristics of a typical hypodermic needle that you might find poking in
your flesh anytime soon.
Characteristics Of A Hypodermic Needle
- Made of a sterile hollow stainless steel tube.
- Differs in gauges, the larger the gauge means the smaller is the diameter of the hypodermic needle.
- Differs in bevel or the angle of the point. There are numerous hypodermic needles that has different bevels to address different purposes.
Perhaps the hypodermic needle is known for medical use which
is in fact very true. From vaccinations for babies to insulin injection shots
for diabetic patients, you would need a hypodermic needle to administer the
essential fluids to the subject. A hypodermic needle can also be used to
extract blood by pulling the syringe outward thus creating suction and drawing
out blood into the syringe. Since there are numerous medicines in fluid form,
the importance of hypodermic needles is very much emphasized.
You might also be curious on how to use a hypodermic needle
properly. Medical professionals don’t just poke such needle anywhere in your
body in whatever fashion they prefer. They do follow standard procedures in
using a hypodermic needle whether its administering something or extracting
blood.
Using A Hypodermic Needle
First, the medical
professional must have clean hands and the hypodermic needle must be sterile.
The flesh area to
be pierced must be disinfected. Usually done by swapping cotton soaked with
alcohol.
Common areas of
the body where a hypodermic needle is pierced is either the upper arm area or
the rear for injections, in the veins located in the hands or lower arm for
butterfly needles.
When a hypodermic
needle with a smaller gauge or a larger diameter is used, pressure needs to be
applied on the body area subjected to be pierced to reduce pain. Usually done
in the arms, a rubber tie is wrapped around the arm to induce pressure and
lessen pain of the extraction or infusion.
All medical hypodermic needles can also be used by a medical
professional. Hence you can be trained to use one if ever you need to use one
to administer medication for yourself like insulin shots for diabetic patients.
Also, you might also be curious to know that there are hypodermic needles used
for other purposes other than medical. You can find industrial hypodermic
needles with blunt tips used to administer fluids like adhesives, pastes,
lubricants and other fluids.