What is a Butterfly Needle?
Butterfly needles or winged infusion sets are small-gauge needles with flexible wings on either side of the needle to stabilize the needle during insertion, relieving discomfort and allowing better control. The attached tubing enables the smooth and continuous blood draw or IV fluid infusion through the needle. A butterfly needle or winged infusion set consists of a slim, small-diameter needle with '' plastic wings'' mounted on either side and designed to draw blood or infuse IV fluids. It is mainly intended for patients with minor or spidery veins, like children, older adults, and those needing multiple blood draws. The tubing allows one to place the needle aesthetically without discomfort to the patient. Butterfly needles offer comfort and accuracy. Unfortunately, like the very nature of their design, these needles are prone to needle stick injuries. However, the incidence of injuries can be reduced by appropriate handling and disposal (J. Scott, 2023).
Why Are Butterfly Needles Used?
Butterfly needles are usually employed in the following areas of application:
More specific uses for a butterfly needle include:
- Blood Draws: For minor or fragile veins, the small gauge of the butterfly needle and flexible tubing make it ideal for blood extraction.
- IV Medications: They allow for a controlled and steady infusion of their medication.
- Children and the elderly: Because of its small size and exact application, it is widely used in children and aged patients.
- Patients with Rolling Veins: When standard straight needles prove challenging to handle, butterfly needles are applied.
Advantages of Using Butterfly Needles
- Minimized Discomfort: Their fine gauge and flexible tubing work to lessen the possibility of pain during insertion.
- Greater Control: The winged design helps to execute with precision and minimize damage to the vein.
- Reduced Hemolysis: The slow and steady blood flow prevents blood cell damage.
- Better Experience for Patients: They instill less fear in anxious patients than bigger-gauge needles.
Common FAQs About Butterfly Needles
1. Do Butterfly Needles Hurt Less Than Ordinary Needles?
Butterfly needles are finer and are designed with more flexibility than bigger rigid needles; hence they inflict sharper pain to a lesser degree. Given these properties, they are suitable for patients with sensitive veins or a tendency for easy bruising.
2. What Are The Gauge Sizes For Butterfly Needles?
The most commonly used sizes are 21G-23G, allowing easy venous access for blood draws yet comforting the adult patient. They also come in sizes 18G-27G.
3. Can A Butterfly Needle Be Used For IV?
Butterflies can be used for IV therapy; however, they are primarily indicated for short infusions rather than continuous tubing. On the other hand, they are suitable for a quick injection of medication or fluids.
4. What Difference Is There Between a Butterfly and a Straight Needle?
A butterfly has a very short, thin needle with wings that can open and close, but a straight needle measures much longer and stiffer. Straight needles are for routine blood draws; butterfly needles are for delicate veins.
5. Where to Find Good Quality Medical Needles and Syringes?
Visit AOSS Medical Supply for any medical needles and syringes you'd like, including butterfly needles: quite a deal on this, for instance, is the Exel Multi-Draw Needle 22G x 1 1/2" from AOSS Medical Supply-disposable and versatile. They also have a delightful catalog of medical supplies, syringes, and syringe supplies suited for many features of health care.
How to Use a Butterfly Needle Safely
The proper technique is indispensable in the use of the butterfly needle. Follow these steps for a safe and efficient procedure:
- Gather your supplies: A butterfly needle, syringe supplies, antiseptic wipes, and a sharps container.
- Sanitize: Venipuncture site using an alcohol swab.
- Insert: Wing the needle into the vein, shallow at about 15-30 degrees angle.
- Immediately draw blood or inject meds: Slowly backpressure the syringe or attach it to an IV line once in place.
- Withdraw the needle: If applied, release the tourniquet, carefully remove the needle, and apply pressure to the site.
- Proper Disposal: Immediately drop the used needle inside the sharps container to avoid injuries caused by needlestick.
Conclusion
In healthcare, butterfly needles are indispensable because of the precision, comfort, and efficiency they offer during blood draw and IV therapy. Understanding their benefits and uses can improve a medical professional's or patient's overall experience. For exceptional-quality medical needles and syringes, including the Exel Multi-Draw Needle 22G x 1 1/2", visit AOSS Medical Supply for trusted supplies and equipment.
