In the world of healthcare, delivering fluids, medications, or nutrients directly into a patient’s bloodstream is a fundamental task. This is accomplished through the use of infusion needles, which are designed to ensure the safe and efficient administration of treatments. Infusion needles come in various types, each designed to meet specific needs depending on the medical condition, patient, and clinical setting.
Definition of Infusion Needles:
Infusion needles are medical devices used to administer fluids, medications, or nutrients into the body through different routes such as intravenous (IV), subcutaneous (SC), or intraosseous (IO) access. These needles are designed to access the circulatory system in a controlled and efficient manner, allowing clinicians to administer treatments such as pain relief, antibiotics, chemotherapy, or hydration.
Importance of Selection:
The choice of infusion needle can significantly affect patient comfort, safety, and clinical outcomes. A well-chosen needle will minimize pain, reduce the risk of infection, and improve the success of the procedure. Conversely, poor needle selection can lead to complications such as leakage, tissue damage, or difficulty accessing veins, ultimately prolonging treatment or causing discomfort to the patient.
The Evolution of Design:
Infusion needle design has evolved dramatically over the years, from basic, single-use needles to highly specialized safety sets that prioritize both patient safety and clinical efficiency. The advancement of infüzyon iğnesi designs has been influenced by growing concerns about needle-stick injuries and the need for more precise and pain-free procedures.
II. Peripheral and Scalp Vein Infusion Sets
Infusion needles used for peripheral access are typically inserted into veins located in the arms, hands, or scalp (in the case of infants). These needles are used for a variety of purposes, including administering medications, fluids, and blood products.
The Versatile Butterfly Design
Butterfly Infusion Needles / Butterfly Infusion Sets:
One of the most well-known and versatile types of infusion needles is the butterfly needle. Characterized by its unique “winged” design, butterfly infusion needles offer enhanced stability during insertion and throughout the infusion process. The wings of the needle help to secure the needle in place, reducing the chances of dislodging or causing unnecessary pain during the procedure. Butterfly infusion sets are commonly used for venipuncture in small veins, such as those found in pediatric patients, or in veins that are difficult to access.
The ergonomic nature of the butterfly needle makes it ideal for short-term infusion therapies and draws, especially in patients whose veins are fragile or small.
Technical Specification Table: Scalp Vein Infusion Sets
| Needle Gauge (G) | Color Code | Outer Diameter (mm) | Needle Length (mm) | Gravity Flow Rate (mL/min) | Clinical Target |
| 18G | Pink | 1.2 | 19 | 80 – 95 | Emergency adult scalp access (rare); high-volume draws. |
| 19G | Cream | 1.1 | 19 | 60 – 75 | Adolescent/Adult fragile veins; blood collection. |
| 21G | Yeşil | 0.8 | 19 | 30 – 45 | Standard for adult blood draws and routine infusions. |
| 23G | Blue | 0.6 | 19 | 15 – 22 | Pediatric patients; thin veins in elderly adults. |
| 25G | Orange | 0.5 | 19 | 8 – 12 | Neonatal/Infant scalp veins; extremely fragile vessels. |
| 27G | Grey | 0.4 | 12 | 3 – 5 | Specialized neonatal care; micro-volume drug delivery. |
Winged Infusion Needle / Top Winged Infusion Set:
Similar to the butterfly design, the winged infusion needle (also known as the top-winged infusion set) is equipped with small, flexible wings on either side of the needle hub. This design allows healthcare professionals to grasp the wings easily and stabilize the needle for a more comfortable insertion process. The wings also provide increased control during the infusion, which is especially helpful in preventing the needle from moving or becoming dislodged.
The ergonomic benefits of the winged infusion needle make it popular in clinical settings where precise and controlled infusions are essential, such as in chemotherapy or dialysis treatments.
Scalp Vein Infusion Set:
In pediatric and geriatric care, particularly for patients with fragile veins, scalp vein infusion sets are frequently used. These sets are designed with a thinner wall, which allows for easier insertion into smaller veins, such as those found in infants’ scalps. The scalp vein infusion set is ideal for accessing veins that might not be suitable for standard IV needles due to the patient’s age or health condition.
A unique feature of scalp vein infusion sets is the use of siliconized needles, which help reduce discomfort and make insertion less painful for the patient. These sets also come with integrated tubing, which allows for continuous fluid administration without the need for repeated needle insertions.
III. Subcutaneous and Safety Infusion Systems
In some cases, infusion needles are used for the subcutaneous (under the skin) delivery of fluids or medications. These types of infusion needles are essential for therapies that require slower absorption rates or those intended for chronic treatment.
Subcutaneous Infusion Needle
Usage in Hypodermoclysis:
Bu subcutaneous infusion needle is typically used for hypodermoclysis, a method of delivering fluids or medications directly into the subcutaneous tissue. This technique is especially useful for patients who may have difficulty tolerating IV infusions or those who require long-term hydration or medication delivery. Common applications include insülin iğnesi administration for diabetic patients, pain management for those suffering from chronic conditions, and the delivery of immunoglobulin therapy for patients with immune deficiencies.
Unlike intravenous infusions, which are delivered directly into the bloodstream, subcutaneous infusions are absorbed more slowly, offering extended therapeutic effects over time. This type of infusion needle is especially beneficial for home-based care and chronic disease management, where frequent, short infusions are required.
Subcutaneous Safety Needle Sets for Infusions
Needle-Stick Prevention:
As safety remains a priority in modern healthcare, subcutaneous safety needle sets are equipped with mechanisms to prevent needle-stick injuries, which are a common source of infection in healthcare settings. These safety mechanisms can be either “active,” requiring the user to engage the safety feature manually, or “passive,” activating automatically when the needle is withdrawn from the patient’s skin.
Subcutaneous safety needles have revolutionized infusion therapy by offering an added layer of protection for healthcare professionals, minimizing the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
Technical Specification Table: Subcutaneous Infusion Needles
| Needle Gauge (G) | Standard Color | OD (mm) | ID (mm) | Ortak Uzunluklar | Nominal Flow Rate (Hydration/Saline) | Primary Clinical Application |
| 24G | Yellow | 0.55 | 0.3 | 6mm – 14mm | Up to 300 mL/hr | High-volume hydration (Hypodermoclysis) or high-viscosity Ig therapy. |
| 25G | Orange | 0.5 | 0.25 | 6mm – 16mm | 150 – 200 mL/hr | General medication delivery and pediatric hydration. |
| 26G | Brown | 0.45 | 0.24 | 4mm – 14mm | 60 – 120 mL/hr | Standard SCIg (Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin) and pain management. |
| 27G | Grey | 0.4 | 0.2 | 4mm – 12mm | 30 – 60 mL/hr | Chronic disease management; preferred for patient comfort/frequent use. |
| 29G | Kırmızı | 0.33 | 0.18 | 4mm – 9mm | 10 – 20 mL/hr | Insulin pumps and highly concentrated, low-volume biologics. |
| 31G | White | 0.25 | 0.13 | 4mm – 6mm | < 5 mL/hr | Pediatric insulin delivery or very slow, consistent drug release. |
IV. Specialized Infusion Access
Certain clinical scenarios require more specialized types of infusion needles to access veins or other areas that are difficult to reach using conventional methods.
Intraosseous (IO) Infusion Needle
Emergency Applications:
In cases of trauma or when traditional intravenous access is not possible, an intraosseous (IO) infusion needle is used to administer fluids, medications, or blood products directly into the bone marrow. This method is particularly valuable in emergency situations where time is critical, and conventional venous access cannot be achieved due to collapsed veins, dehydration, or shock.
Bu IO infusion needle works by piercing the bone’s outer layer and inserting a needle into the marrow, allowing for rapid infusion into the circulatory system. This technique is commonly used in emergency medical services (EMS) and trauma care.
Technical Specification Table: Intraosseous (IO) Infusion Needles
| Needle Type/Hub Color | Gauge (G) | İğne Uzunluğu | Patient Weight / Site | Flow Rate (Gravity) | Flow Rate (Pressure 300mmHg) |
| Pink (Pediatric) | 15G | 15 mm | 3 – 39 kg (Infants/Children) | ~10–20 mL/min | ~30–50 mL/min |
| Blue (Adult Standard) | 15G | 25 mm | ≥3 kg (Tibia/Adults) | ~20–50 mL/min | ~150 mL/min (1–3 L/hr) |
| Yellow (Large Adult) | 15G | 45 mm | ≥40 kg (Humerus/Obese) | ~80–150 mL/min | Up to 500 mL/min (5 L/hr) |
| Manual (Jamshidi) | 14G–18G | Variable | Emergency Pediatric Access | Dependent on size | Site-dependent |
Huber Infusion Set
Non-Coring Needles for Implanted Ports:
Bu Huber infusion set is a specialized type of needle used to access implanted ports, such as the Port-a-Cath, which is commonly used in cancer patients for long-term drug administration. Unlike standard needles, Huber needles are designed to be non-coring, meaning they do not remove tissue from the port’s silicone septum when inserted. This helps maintain the integrity of the implanted port, reducing the risk of contamination and maintaining its functionality over time.
Bu 90-degree bend of the Huber needle helps with proper alignment and ensures that the needle is securely anchored during infusions, which is essential for long-term therapeutic treatments.
Technical Specification Table: Huber Infusion Sets
| Needle Gauge (G) | Color Code | Outer Diameter (mm) | Typical Lengths (mm) | Max Flow Rate (Gravity – mL/hr) | Primary Clinical Application |
| 19G | Brown/Cream | 1.1 | 15, 20, 25, 38 | 900 – 1,200 | Rapid fluid bolus, thick blood products, or high-viscosity nutrition (TPN). |
| 20G | Yellow | 0.9 | 15, 20, 25, 38 | 600 – 800 | High-volume chemotherapy or routine blood transfusions. |
| 22G | Black | 0.7 | 15, 20, 25, 38 | 400 – 550 | Most Common; standard chemotherapy, antibiotics, and hydration. |
| 25G | Orange | 0.5 | 15, 20, 25 | 120 – 180 | Pediatric use or low-volume, continuous medication delivery. |
V. Clinical Categorization by Use Case
Infusion needles can also be categorized based on their clinical use and the type of treatment they are designed to support.
IV Infusion Needle
Standard for Intravenous Therapy:
Bu IV infusion needle is the standard choice for intravenous therapy in hospital settings. These needles are used to deliver fluids, medications, and other treatments directly into the bloodstream. IV infusion needles come in various sizes (gauges) and lengths, with the choice depending on the patient’s age, size, and the type of infusion required.
Technical Specification Table: Peripheral IV Infusion Needles
| Gauge (G) | Standard Color | Outer Diameter (mm) | Typical Length (mm) | Gravity Flow Rate (mL/min) | Common Clinical Use Case |
| 14G | Orange | 2.1 | 45 | 240 – 300 | Massive trauma, rapid blood transfusion, shock. |
| 16G | Grey | 1.8 | 45 | 180 – 210 | Surgery, rapid fluid volume replacement. |
| 18G | Yeşil | 1.3 | 32 – 45 | 90 – 110 | Standard for blood transfusions and surgery. |
| 20G | Pink | 1.1 | 32 | 60 – 65 | Most common; routine fluids, meds, and contrast. |
| 22G | Blue | 0.9 | 25 | 35 – 40 | Smaller/older adult veins; routine infusions. |
| 24G | Yellow | 0.7 | 19 | 20 – 25 | Pediatrics, neonates, and very fragile veins. |
| 26G | Purple | 0.6 | 19 | 10 – 15 | Neonatal care; extremely delicate infusions. |
Infusion Needle Set
Complete Assembly:
An infusion needle set refers to the full assembly of components used for infusion therapy. This includes the needle itself, wings for stabilization, tubing for fluid delivery, and connectors for attaching to other equipment. Infusion needle sets are available in various configurations to suit the specific requirements of the treatment being administered.
Therapeutic Infusion Needle
Dedicated Needles for Specific Therapies:
Therapeutic infusion needles are designed for specific drug delivery systems. For example, oncology patients may require specialized needles for the administration of chemotherapy drugs, while patients with chronic diseases may need dedicated needles for the infusion of biologic agents. These needles are optimized for specific therapeutic uses, ensuring the correct delivery of medications.
VI. Technical Specifications for Manufacturers
When selecting infusion needles for clinical use, healthcare providers must consider several technical specifications, including the needle’s gauge, length, material, and safety features.
Gauge and Length
Bu gösterge of the needle determines its diameter, with lower numbers indicating a larger diameter (e.g., an 18G needle is larger than a 27G needle). The length of the needle varies depending on the location of the vein and the type of infusion required. Shorter needles are typically used for peripheral veins, while longer needles may be required for deeper veins or subcutaneous access.
Material Quality
Infusion needles are generally made from medical-grade stainless steel to ensure strength and durability. The materials used in the construction of the needle, as well as the tubing and connectors, must also meet high standards of biocompatibility to minimize the risk of allergic reactions or other complications.
Safety Compliance
To reduce the risk of healthcare-acquired infections (HAI'ler) and ensure patient safety, infusion needles must comply with international standards such as ISO. These standards guarantee that the needles meet stringent requirements for sterility, design, and performance.
VII. Sonuç
The world of infusion needles is diverse, with different types designed to meet specific medical needs and patient requirements. Whether it’s the versatile butterfly design, specialized subcutaneous safety sets, or the emergency-ready intraosseous needle, the evolution of infusion technology has made significant strides.
SSS
In practice, they are the same thing. “Butterfly infusion needles” is a colloquial term used by clinicians because the stabilization wings look like butterfly wings. In manufacturing and technical catalogs, they are formally referred to as Winged Infusion Sets or Top Winged Infusion Sets.
A Huber infusion set must be used whenever you are accessing an implanted port (Port-a-Cath). Standard needles have a beveled tip that will “core” (remove a plug of) the silicone septum of the port, causing it to leak. Huber needles are “non-coring” and push the silicone aside rather than cutting it.
Elderly patients often have thin, fragile skin and “rolling veins” that lose their elasticity. The scalp vein infusion set features a small, sharp needle and flexible tubing that prevents the needle from putting too much mechanical stress on the vein, reducing the risk of hematomas or infiltration.
Subcutaneous safety needle sets allow patients to receive continuous medication (like immunoglobulins) at home. The safety mechanism ensures that once the needle is removed, it is immediately shielded, preventing accidental injury to the patient or family members handling the medical waste.
Yes. There is an international color-coding system for needle gauges. For example, 21G is usually Green, 23G is Blue, and 25G is Orange. This allows clinicians to identify the needle size at a glance during high-pressure medical procedures.
No. Intraosseous infusion needles are strictly for emergency access (usually up to 24 hours). Once a patient is stabilized and peripheral or central venous access can be established, the IO needle is removed to prevent the risk of bone infection (osteomyelitis).
