Let's explore the key components of Disposable Hypodermic Syringes:
Barrel: A cylindrical tube that holds and dispenses liquid.
Finger Flange: A support structure for the user's fingers.
Plunger or "Piston": The plunger is the shaft that connects the plunger flange to the seal.
Thumb Rest: A flat surface on the barrel that allows the user to apply pressure to the plunger with their thumb.
Rubber Stopper: Located at the top of the plunger, it forms a seal between the plunger and the barrel.
Needle: A sharp, hollow stainless steel tube that can penetrate the skin, muscle, or blood vessel to deliver the liquid from the syringe.
Needle Hub: The syringe part that holds the needle in place, allowing for easy attachment and removal.
Luer Lock or Slip Tip: The output of the syringe.
Bevel: The angled tip of the needle that aids in smooth insertion.
Needle Cap/Protector: A protective cover for the needle that helps maintain sterility.
Disposable Hypodermic Syringe barrels come in various shapes, connections, and materials to meet different design characteristics and specifications. Some key considerations for selecting a syringe barrel include:
Specification: Based on the volume of the liquid being dispensed and application requirements.
Materials: Including plastic, glass, or metal.
Color: Options include clear, amber, and black. Clear barrels are compatible with various liquids and allow easy viewing of liquid levels and bubbles. Amber barrels are typically used for light-sensitive applications, while black barrels can help protect light-sensitive fluids from degradation.
The choice of barrel shape and connection is influenced by design considerations and specifications that must be met.
Various caps and shields can be used to protect the contents of Disposable Hypodermic Syringe barrels. These components play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the medication and ensuring safe use. Notable components include:
Luer Caps and Rigid Caps: Designed to fit directly onto plastic Luer lock barrels or used with Luer lock adapters (LLA) on plastic or glass Luer slip tip barrels.
Needle Shields: Protective covers that slide over the needle after use to prevent accidental needle stick injuries and contamination. When used with pre-assembled needles, they are commonly referred to as rigid needle shields.
Plungers and rubber stoppers are essential for protecting the medium inside the barrel and ensuring consistent force application during injection.
The plunger moves freely up and down inside the syringe barrel, creating a vacuum when pulled back to draw liquid into the Disposable Hypodermic Syringe and expelling the liquid when pushed forward. The rubber stopper forms a seal between the plunger and barrel to prevent leakage and ensure proper fluid control.
The finger flange, also known as the stop device, provides stability and control during injection. For syringes made of COC, COP, or glass, the finger flange is especially important as the geometry of the syringe barrel may not provide adequate ergonomic support for the user.