If you work in the healthcare industry, you’ll likely find yourself using syringes from time to time. But did you know that not all syringes are the same?
Research indicates that plastic syringes are often used to administer drugs in a way that does not involve a patient’s digestive tract. These syringes work by drawing up and transferring liquids from point A to point B using a piston pump-type action. However, various types of plastic syringes exist for various applications.
Here’s a rundown on the types of syringes you need to know about in the health care field, as well as what the various syringe types have to offer.
Let’s dig in!
LUER LOCK
The Luer lock syringe stands out for offering a far securer connection when compared with other types of syringes.
With this syringe, you’ll need to twist a needle onto the syringe and then lock it in place. Doing this helps to prevent the needle from accidentally slipping and then falling off when you’re trying to use it.
The syringe also comes with a syringe filter, which helps with removing contaminating particulates from gasses or liquids.
CATHETER TIP
The catheter tip syringe features a straight, long tip and is perfect for irrigating a Foley catheter, or a urinary catheter. This type of syringe can also be used to irrigate medical tubing.
You can identify this type of syringe by its translucent body, which is made from a thermoplastic resin called polypropylene. The syringe features black markings. It also comes with a cap, which covers the syringe tip for sanitation purposes.
Note that catheter tip syringes, which are sterile, should be thrown away following each use.
LUER SLIP
This type of syringe offers a simple and quick way of attaching a needle. It is relatively inexpensive and therefore ideal for making quick injections.
However, unlike the Luer lock syringe, the Luer slip syringe’s needle can pop off sometimes. It is for this reason that some health care professionals prefer the former syringe type.
INSULIN
Finally, insulin syringes are used for injecting insulin in diabetic patients.
This type of syringe usually comes with an attached needle. It has a thin, short needle to prevent bruising and pain. In addition, the syringe’s barrel is thin, long, and marked in insulin units.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE VARIOUS TYPES OF SYRINGES AVAILABLE TODAY
For today’s medical workers, plastic disposable syringes offer the benefit of being convenient. They also minimize your chances of transferring unwanted blood-borne illnesses to patients, which is more likely to happen with reusable syringes. However, choosing the proper types of plastic syringes is critical for correctly administering various drugs to patients.
Consider the many above-mentioned types of syringes as you strive to determine how best to deliver medications to your patients this spring. With a proper understanding of these syringes, you can more effectively meet your patients’ unique medical care needs long term.
