Choosing the right syringe starts with understanding the options. Our experts explain the different types of syringes in this guide.

How to Choose a Syringe: A Guide to the Different Types of Syringes

It’s easy to recognize a syringe, it’s a long plastic body with a needle sticking out of it. Most of your early years are spent dreading a needle and that fear transforms as you get older, especially if you need to use a syringe to administer a doctor’s prescribed medication. 

Whatever your reason might be for having to familiarize yourself with the different types of syringes, it’s important to understand all of your options. This guide will help you navigate what’s available and its purposes. 

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Disposable vs Reusable Types of Syringes

You have the choice between purchasing a reusable or disposable syringe. Generally, sterilized glass syringes are reusable. Disposable plastic syringes have a one-time use.

Syringes used to be cleaned and reused but once plastic disposable syringes were invented, they skyrocketed in popularity. This is because they’re more convenient and reduce the risk of transferring blood-borne diseases through the needle.

Knowing the different syringes and needles available will ensure that you’re prepared in the case of an emergency. Sometimes waiting for medical assistance isn’t an option.

Syringe Nozzle Types

In addition to the different types of syringes, there are also different nozzle types. Knowing the difference between each of them can help you make a knowledgeable decision about which is best for what situation. 

A Luer Slip or Slip Tip allows a needle to be conveniently and quickly pushed straight onto the end of the tip. A Luer Lock lets a Luer Lock needle screw to the tip and securely lock in place guaranteeing no liquids can leak.

A Luer Slip Eccentric is used when something needs to be injected parallel to the skin. The off-center tip is ideal for injecting into an artery or vein. A catheter is used when injecting via tubing, it’s ideal for flushing wounds or when a slip tip needle is too large to use.

What Type of Syringe to Use?

Knowing what syringe to use depends on your requirements. You’ll want to select syringes based on the volume of medication prescribed and the desired pressure flow. The more medication used, the larger syringe sizes required.

The use of a syringe for injections, for irrigation, or with medical tubing, are also factors to consider. 

When it comes to selecting the right needle, there are three considerations to keep in mind: gauge, length, and use.

The gauge measures the diameter or width of the needle. The length measures from the hub to the tip of the needle. Use refers to how deep the needle must traverse to reach the target injection area. 

Know About Different Types of Syringes

It’s no secret that syringes are an important medical tool. It’s important to know the different types of syringes, whether you never interact with them regularly or not. 

If you need to buy syringes, it’s essential to know which type you’ll need. What are you using the syringe for? The needle gauge and length are different for each type of injection. 

It’s hard to beat the peace of mind that being medically informed provides.

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