Insulin Needles, Pen Needles & Syringes

When choosing insulin syringes, take into account the amount of insulin you need to inject at one time. There is no point in buying a large syringe if your dose is small, as a smaller insulin syringe will be more accurate and easier to measure. At the same time, the syringe should be big enough to fit your entire dose. Also, if you need to mix two types of insulin in the syringe, you should opt for a larger size. Insulin syringes come in three sizes: 0.3 ml (30 units), 0.5 ml (50 units), and 1 ml (100 units). You should also make sure the markings on the syringe are clear. If you have poor eyesight, insulin pens might be a better choice. Insulin syringes aren't the only thing to consider, as the needle length and gauge are also important for your comfort and precise injections. If unsure, ask your healthcare professional and they will guide you in terms of needle length and the appropriate injection technique for you.

Insulin needles are classified as sharps and should not be disposed of in the common household trash. To reduce the risk of cuts and punctures, they should be secured in sharps disposal containers, which are to be kept away from children and pets at all times. Sharps containers are made of metal or sturdy plastic and should have a tight lid. Follow the disposal guidelines in your community for discarding the sharps container once it is about three-quarters full and keep in mind that most sharps disposal systems should not be reused.

Needles for insulin come in different lengths and gauges. While the length determines how deep it can penetrate, the gauge refers to the thickness and it ranges between 27 and 32, the latter being the thinnest. Thin insulin needles are more comfortable but thicker ones administer insulin faster and are usually recommended for larger doses. Becton Dickinson produces the smallest insulin syringe needle sizes you can get, sold as BD ULTRA-FINE Nano Pen Needle 5/32" 32g.

Insulin needles and insulin syringes can be bought over the counter just like any other type of syringe. All you need to know is the size you need, both in terms of syringe capacity and needle length and gauge. Pre-filled insulin pens, however, require a prescription for purchase.

You might think that a piece of metal cannot have an expiration date, but insulin pen needles are usually guaranteed to be safe for five years. During this five-year shelf life, they should be stored in a dry area, away from extreme temperatures. The same is true for insulin syringes.

Insulin pen needles are sold sterilized and should be replaced after each use to prevent skin infections. You may be tempted to lower costs and use the same insulin needle for morning and evening shots, changing it on a daily basis. Even though reuse by the same person is common throughout the day, it can still be very dangerous as there is a risk of injecting bacteria from the skin. To minimize these risks, never skip the hygiene protocol for injecting insulin. Wash your hands with soapy water and clean the area to be injected with an alcohol pad. Of course, never share needles with someone else.