HYPODERMIC NEEDLE

SUCCEED WITH HYPODERMIC NEEDLE

HISTORY: 

 The hypodermic needle is a medical device used for injecting fluids or medications into the body and extracting biological fluids for diagnostic purposes. 

The history of the hypodermic needle can be traced back to the 17th century when the Irish physician Francis Rynd undertook the first recorded tests with subcutaneous injections. However, in the nineteenth century, the hypodermic needle became widely employed in medicine.

 

Charles Gabriel Pravaz, a French physician, devised a hollow needle that could be linked to a syringe and injected fluids directly into the body in 1853. This steel needle featured a sharp end that could puncture the skin and a hole in the middle through which the fluid could be administered.

 In 1856, the Scottish physician Alexander Wood developed a similar needle with a smaller diameter, making it less painful to use. This design became the standard for hypodermic needles and is still used today.

WHAT IS HYPODERMIC NEEDLE?

A hypodermic needle is a medical equipment used to inject fluids or drugs into the body as well as retrieve bodily fluids for testing. 

 It consists of a hollow needle that is attached to a syringe.

The needle has a pointed end that can penetrate the skin and a hole in the middle through which the fluids can be injected or extracted.

Hypodermic needles are composed of stainless steel or other materials and come in various sizes and gauges depending on their intended application. They are commonly employed in medical operations, including administration, blood drawing, and biopsies.

Hypodermic needles must be sterile to prevent infection and contamination, typically packaged in a clean, sealed package until ready for use. 

Hypodermic needles are used in various medical operations, including vaccines, medicine administration, blood sampling, and intravenous fluid administration.

They are also used in non-medical settings, such as body piercing and tattooing.

WHAT IS A HYPODERMIC NEEDLE USED FOR?

Hypodermic needles are a vital medical tool used in a variety of procedures.

They are intended for the injection of fluids or drugs into the body, as well as the extraction of bodily fluids for diagnostic purposes.

The most common use of hypodermic needles is to administer vaccines and medications. Hypodermic needles allow for precise delivery of these substances, ensuring that the correct amount is given to the patient.

Blood tests are an important diagnostic technique for determining a patient's health status, including detecting illnesses. 

Anesthetics are another vital use of hypodermic needles. Hypodermic needle use, anesthetics can be injected locally or regionally. Hypodermic needles are a crucial medical tool used in a variety of procedures. 

They allow for the precise and accurate delivery of medications, vaccines, and anesthetics and the extraction of bodily fluids for diagnostic purposes.

WHERE DOES A HYPODERMIC NEEDLE INJECT?

A hypodermic needle can inject fluids, medications, or other substances into various parts of the body, depending on the medical purposes. 

The needle is put into the body through the skin, and the drug or fluids are injected into the subcutaneous tissue, which is located beneath the skin.

The injection site may differ depending on the drug or fluids provided and the medical condition being treated. Vaccines, for example, are frequently injected into the upper arm muscle, but insulin is commonly injected into the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks.

Potential injection sites include:

• The thigh's large lateralis muscle.

• The subcutaneous tissue in the belly.

• The deltoid strength in the shoulder.

• The gluteal muscle in the buttocks.
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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HYPODERMIC NEEDLE AND A REGULAR NEEDLE?

Its purpose and design are the primary distinction between hypodermic and standard needles.

• Hypodermic needle:

A hypodermic needle is a medical device used for injecting fluids, medications, or other substances into the body. It consists of a hollow needle attached to a syringe that allows for precise and controlled delivery of the drugs and fluids into the subcutaneous tissue.

 Hypodermic needles come in various sizes and types depending on the medical process and the medication or fluid being supplied.

• Regular needle:

An ordinary needle is a non-medical sewing, knitting, and embroidery tool.

It consists of a thin metal rod with a pointed end and a hole at the other end, where the thread is passed through. Regular needles come in different sizes and types, depending on the thread thickness and type of line used.

Its purpose and design are the primary distinction between hypodermic and standard needles. Regular needles are used for non-medical tasks such as sewing or knitting, whereas hypodermic needles inject fluids and drugs into the body.

Hypodermic needles are longer, thinner, and have a sharp tip, while regular needles are thicker and have a hole for the thread to pass through.

Hypodermic Needle Gauge : 

The diameter of the needle's lumen or bore, which is the hollow space inside the needle through which medication or fluids are injected or withdrawn, determines the gauge.

Hypodermic needles are available in a range of gauges, with the most common sizes being 18 to 30 gauge.  

The thinner the needle, the greater the gauge number. A 30-gauge needle, for example, is lighter than an 18-gauge needle.

The needle gauge used is determined by the type of injection, the medication's viscosity, and the injection's location.

Thinner needles are typically used for delicate or sensitive areas, such as the face, while larger needles may be used for thicker medications or deeper injections.

Hypodermic Needle Sizes:

Hypodermic needles come in a variety of diameters, with the most common being between 18 and 30 gauge.

The length of the needle can also vary depending on its intended use.

• 18 gauge:

18 gauge is typically used for blood donation or high-volume injections, such as during surgery or an emergency.

• 20-21 gauge:

20-21 gauge needles are often used for intramuscular injections of vaccinations and hormone treatments.

• 22-23 gauge:

22-23 gauge needles are typically used for subcutaneous injections like insulin or allergy treatments.

• 25-27 gauge:
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25-27 gauge commonly used for intravenous injections, such as during blood transfusions or chemotherapy.

• 30 gauge:
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30 gauge is commonly used for delicate or sensitive areas, such as the face, or injecting small amounts of medication.

 

Advantages Of Hypodermic Needles:

Hypodermic needles are frequently used in medicine for various purposes, including pharmaceutical administration, blood drawing, and fluid sampling.

 Some of the advantages of hypodermic needles include:

1. Precise administration:

Hypodermic needles allow for precise administration of medication or fluids, as they can be inserted into specific areas of the body, and the amount of substance injected can be carefully controlled.

2. Quick And Efficient:

Hypodermic needles are meant to administer medication or fluids quickly and efficiently, allowing for quicker treatment and recovery durations.

3. Minimal Invasive:

Hypodermic needles are minimally invasive, which means they produce minimum tissue damage and do not necessitate huge incisions or invasive surgical procedures.

4. Versatile:

Hypodermic needles are available in several sizes and forms, allowing them to be used in various medical treatments ranging from vaccines to chemotherapy.

5. Easy To Use:

Because hypodermic needles are generally simple to use, they are available to a diverse spectrum of medical personnel, including nurses, doctors, and medical technicians.

Disadvantages Of Hypodermic Needles:

While hypodermic needles have many advantages in medicine, they also have disadvantages.

 Some of these include:

1. Pain And Discomfort:

The usage of hypodermic needles can cause pain and discomfort, especially when injecting or inserting the needle into sensitive parts of the body.

2. Risk Of Infection:

If hypodermic needles are not used properly or are contaminated, they can increase the risk of infection. 

 This can lead to severe complications and even death.

3. Needlestick Injuries:

Healthcare professionals who use hypodermic needles are vulnerable to needlestick injuries, which can spread bloodborne infections like HIV or hepatitis.

4. Cost:

Using hypodermic needles can be expensive, mainly if they are used frequently or specialist needles are required.

5. Fear And Anxiety:

Many patients are afraid and anxious about using hypodermic needles, which makes it difficult for them to comply with medical treatments that require needle use.

While hypodermic needles are an essential tool in modern medicine, they also come with certain risks and drawbacks that must be carefully managed to ensure safe and effective use.

Precautions While Using Hypodermic Needles:

Several vital precautions should be taken when using hypodermic needles to ensure the safety of both patients and healthcare workers. Some of these precautions include:

1. Proper Hand Hygiene:

To prevent the spread of infection, healthcare professionals should always correctly wash their hands before and after using hypodermic needles.

2. Use Of Sterile Equipment:

To prevent infection,

hypodermic needles should be sterile and never reused or shared between patients.

3. Proper Disposal:

Hypodermic needles should be disposed of in designated sharps containers immediately after use to prevent needlestick injuries and the spread of infection.

4. Needle Safety Features:

Needles with safety features, such as retractable or sheathed needles, should be used whenever possible to reduce the risk of needlestick injuries.

5. Proper Technique:

Healthcare workers should be trained in the proper technique for using hypodermic needles, including inserting and withdrawing the hand correctly and administering medication or fluids.

6. Patient Education:

Patients should be educated on the use of hypodermic needles, including the importance of disclosing any medical conditions or allergies and the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.

Taking these precautions can help minimize the risks associated with the use of hypodermic needles and ensure safe and effective medical treatment.

What Are The Three Types Of Hypodermic Injections?

The three main types of hypodermic injections are:

1. intramuscular (IM) Injection:

The medicine is injected into the muscle tissue beneath the skin, generally in the upper arm, thigh, or buttocks. IM injections are frequently used for vaccinations, hormone treatments, and some antibiotics.  

2. Subcutaneous (SC) Injection:

Medication is injected into the fatty tissue beneath the skin, generally in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Insulin, allergy jabs, and several immunizations are often administered via SC injections.

3. Intravenous (IV) Injection:

This procedure includes injecting medication directly into a vein, usually in the hand, arm, or wrist. IV injections are typically used for treatments that must be administered immediately, such as in an emergency or during chemotherapy.

The drug being provided, the patient's medical state, and the healthcare professional's opinion of the optimum route of administration for the medication will all influence the type of injection utilized.

Sterile Hypodermic Needle:

A sterile hypodermic needle is a medical device used to inject drugs, fluids, or other substances into or remove fluids from the body. It comprises a hollow, cylindrical stainless steel tube with a sharp beveled tip at one end and a hub at the other that connects to a syringe.

To avoid contamination and illness and to prevent infection and contamination, the needle must be sterile, and it is usually packed in clean, sealed packaging until it is ready for use.

Various types of sterilization are used, including gamma radiation, ethylene oxide gas, and autoclaving.

The size and gauge of hypodermic needles vary based on the application and the material being delivered or withdrawn. A smaller gauge indicates a bigger diameter, while a larger gauge indicates a smaller diameter. The needle's length can also vary based on its intended usage.

It is essential to use a sterile hypodermic needle for every patient and properly dispose of used syringes to stop infections, illnesses, and diseases from spreading quickly.