A hypodermic needle is a very thin needle that is used to inject medication directly into the body. They are usually made of stainless steel, and are extremely sharp. Hypodermic needles are used for a variety of purposes, including:
- To inject medication directly into the bloodstream
- To inject medication into the muscles
- To withdraw fluids from the body
Hypodermic needles have a long history, dating back to the early 1800s. The first hypodermic needle was invented by French physician Charles Gabriel Pravaz in 1829. Pravaz's needle was made of silver and had a hollow bore. It was used to inject medications into patients' bodies.
The first hypodermic needle made of stainless steel was invented by Scottish physician Alexander Wood in 1853. Wood's needle was also hollow, and was used to inject medication into patients' bodies.
Hypodermic needles continued to be made of stainless steel until the mid-1900s. In the 1950s, plastic-coated hypodermic needles were introduced. These needles were less likely to cause bruising and pain than stainless steel needles.
What Are Hypodermic Needles Made Of?
Modern hypodermic needles are usually made of stainless steel. They may be coated with plastic to make them more comfortable to use. The plastic coating also helps to prevent the needle from rusting.
The bore of a hypodermic needle is usually between 18 and 26 gauge. The larger the gauge, the smaller the bore. An 18 gauge needle has a larger bore than a 26 gauge needle.
The length of a hypodermic needle is measured in inches. Common lengths are 1, 1.5, and 2 inches. The tip of a hypodermic needle may be either bevelled or pointed. A bevelled tip is angled, while a pointed tip is sharp. Bevelled needles are less likely to cause pain than pointed needles.
How Is the Modern Hypodermic Needle Manufactured?
The manufacturing process for hypodermic needles begins with the creation of the needle blank, which is a long, thin rod of stainless steel, plastic, or titanium.
The needle blank is then placed in a lathe, where it is cut to the desired length and diameter. Next, the needle blank is placed in a grinding machine, where the outside of the needle is ground to a smooth finish. The needle blank is then placed in a drilling machine, where the inside of the needle is drilled out to create the hollow needle.
Finally, the needle is placed in a polishing machine, where the outside of the needle is polished to a shine. Hypodermic needles are then sterilised and packaged for use.
Quality Testing for Hypodermic Needles
There are several quality tests that are performed on hypodermic needles to ensure that they are safe for use. These tests include dimensional testing, visual inspection, and functional testing.
Dimensional Testing
Dimensional testing is used to ensure that the needles are the correct size and shape. This is important because the needles need to be able to fit snugly into the syringe barrel and deliver the correct amount of medication.
Visual Inspection
Visual inspection is used to check for defects in the needles. This is important because any defects in the needles could cause them to break or cause other problems during use.
Functional Testing
Functional testing is used to ensure that the needles are able to function properly. This includes tests such as needlepoint testing and needle hub testing.
Conclusion
Hypodermic needles are made through a process of hollowing out a metal rod and then sharpening the end to a point. This process has remained largely unchanged since the needles were first invented in the 1800s.
The history of hypodermic needles is a long and fascinating one, full of interesting characters and stories. From their humble beginnings as a medical tool used to drain abscesses, to their modern-day use in vaccinations and medical procedures, hypodermic needles have come a long way.
Despite their sometimes-scary reputation, hypodermic needles are actually relatively safe and easy to use, as long as you take the proper precautions. So next time you see a needle, don't be afraid!
If you are stocking on syringes, you should purchase them from a reputable supplier, and you will not be in better hands than UKMEDI. We will provide you with high-quality medical supplies, so buy them now!