All of us are familiar with the purpose and importance of getting vaccinated against different infectious diseases. As per Statista, nearly 90% of the US population above the age of 15 has been vaccinated against hepatitis B, varicella, etc. To deliver such a jab, the use of luer lock syringes is common as these are considered ideal in this regard. But what exactly are luer lock syringes and why do we need them in every healthcare facility?
Luer lock syringes are employed for administering vaccines
In this article, let us dive into what a luer lock syringe is, what its features are, and for what purposes it can be employed.
What is a Luer Lock Syringe?
A luer lock syringe is an invasive medical device that has a threaded tip that enables a luer locking mechanism. The needle hub is placed on this tip and screwed in place to achieve a secure fit. Luer lock syringes, therefore, are leak-proof and keep the medication safe as the risk of accidental needle detachment is minimized.
Components of a Luer Lock Syringe
A luer lock syringe has 3 parts. These include:
- The syringe barrel with prominent markings
- A smoothly moving plunger with a latex-free rubber-based gasket
- A hypodermic needle luer fitted in place
Luer Lock Syringes: Notable Characteristics
The following section highlights some of the notable characteristics of luer lock syringes:
1. Polypropylene-Based Construction
The construction material used for the barrel and the plunger is medical-grade polypropylene (PP). This is because it has several characteristics which are beneficial in healthcare facilities. For instance, polypropylene-based products can be easily subjected to sterilization using ethylene oxide (ETO).
Moreover, their strength and reliability keep the contents of the luer lock syringes safe. In addition, the transparent appearance of the syringe makes it possible for the healthcare staff to inspect the contents with the naked eye.
Luer lock syringes are used by diabetics for taking insulin units
2. Presence of a Locking Collar
Luer lock syringes have a double-threaded design at their tip. A smaller and rather thinner internal thread is present in the center which is then surrounded by an outer and much wider outer thread. The space between these two threads holds the needle hub. This assembly of dual threads makes a locking collar.
3. Screw Fitting Mechanism
The luer lock system on these syringes demands the needle hub to be rotated in order to attach or remove it. To attach the hypodermic needle with a luer lock syringe, the needle is placed on the syringe tip and rotated clockwise until a strong fitting is achieved.
Similarly, for removing the needle, it needs to be unscrewed by an anticlockwise rotation. This assembly secures the needle in place so securely that the risk of leakage is eliminated.
4. Standardized Connectivity
When a patient is infused with IV fluids, sometimes, more than one medical device is required. In addition, luer lock syringes are also needed. To ease the patient, the best way is to infuse and inject different medications through a single cannula.
These cannulas have a luer lock hub which can take a luer lock syringe. This way, the presence of a luer locking mechanism allows these products to get attached to other medical devices like cannulas or infusion sets, etc. Thus, this feature renders the luer lock syringes highly versatile.
5. Availability in Multiple Sizes
Luer lock syringes are available in different sizes. These include:
- 1 ml
- 2 ml
- 2.5 ml
- 3 ml
- 5 ml
- 10 ml
- 20 ml
- 30 ml
- 50 ml
- 60 ml
Both luer slip and luer lock syringes are necessary for healthcare setups
Uses of Luer Lock Syringes
Luer lock syringes are often employed for the following purposes:
- These are ideal for administering vaccines.
- Luer lock syringes also find applications in blood sampling.
- Certain medications such as liquid antibiotics are delivered using luer lock syringes.
- Smaller luer lock syringes are also employed for the administration of insulin to diabetic patients.
- Luer lock syringes are considered the most reliable option when it comes to using a syringe with a venous or arteriolar line.
- The use of luer lock syringes is also within laboratories where these are employed for handling liquid samples as well as dispensing reagents with precision.
- Luer lock syringes also have veterinary uses where these are used for collecting blood samples from animals.
Advantages of Using Luer Lock Syringes
Luer lock syringes provide several advantages which may not be achieved with other types:
- Luer lock syringes are easy to use and have a simple construction.
- The tight connection between the needle and the luer lock eliminates the risk of dose wastage. Thus, the dosing becomes accurate and highly precise.
- The rubber gasket allows precise control of the plunger when the fluids are being injected or withdrawn.
- Luer lock syringes pose no risk of accidental detachment while they are in use.
- Luer lock syringes are safe and have firm needles due to the stronghold of the syringe tip on them.
- These syringes are also highly versatile as their connection with other medical devices is possible.
A luer lock insulin syringe with a needle of a suitable length
Luer Lock Syringes at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
Luer lock syringes are one of the finest products in their domain. These have a lower locking mechanism which grips the needle attached to them strongly. As a result, the risk of accidental needle detachment or leakage of liquid medicine is eliminated.
Luer lock syringes are available in different sizes varying from 1 ml to 60 ml. Some of the luer lock syringes are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below along with their features and purchase links:
Sol-Millennium P180005NSB Sol-M 5ml Sterile Luer Lock Syringe w/o Needle (bulk, non-sterile) (1600/CS)
Sol-Millennium P180005NSB Sol-M 5ml Sterile Luer Lock Syringe w/o Needle (bulk, non-sterile) (1600/CS)
US$160.99
Product Details
Sol-Millennium P180005NSB Sol-M 5 ml is a luer lock syringe that is constructed using medical-grade polypropylene which is free from toxic agents like natural rubber latex, DEHP, etc. The product is known for its reliable performance owing to its anti-leakage design. Although it does not come with a needle and needs to be attached before usage.
These Sol-Millennium P180005NSB Sol-M 5 ml syringes are transparent as well. That’s why, the medical staff can visualize the contents to avoid possible errors in the administration process. This also allows the inspection of air bubbles which can cause harm to the patient if injected. Moreover, these syringes are sterile and safe.
To smoothen the plunger movement in the barrel, a silicone-based lubricant is coated on them so that using the syringe can become easy and well-controlled. These Sol-Millennium P180005NSB Sol-M 5 ml syringes also offer services in veterinary facilities as some of their sizes are suitable for animals as well.
Sol-Millennium P180030NSB Sol-M 30ml Luer Lock Syringe w/o Needle (bulk, non-sterile) (300/CS)
Sol-Millennium P180030NSB Sol-M 30ml Luer Lock Syringe w/o Needle (bulk, non-sterile) (300/CS)
US$107.49
Product Details
Sol-Millennium P180030NSB Sol-M 30 ml luer lock syringes fall among the best luer lock products. These come without needles which are to be screwed with their luer tip giving a firm assembly. These syringes are non-sterile but can be subjected to sterilization if the need be.
As for their construction, these Sol-Millennium P180030NSB Sol-M 30 ml luer lock syringes are made up of plastic and do not contain toxins like DEHP. Moreover, these are also free from natural rubber latex. The presence of a rubber-based gasket also renders them easy to handle.
In addition, these Sol-Millennium P180030NSB Sol-M 30 ml luer lock syringes have a clear and transparent look. Their use is well-established while administering vaccines, antibiotics, etc.
Sol-Millennium 161000LL Sol-M 1ml Insulin Syringe Luer Lock w/o needle (low dead space tip, orange plunger) (800/CS)
Sol-Millennium 161000LL Sol-M 1ml Insulin Syringe Luer Lock w/o needle (low dead space tip, orange plunger) (800/CS)
US$254.99
Product Details
Sol-Millennium 161000LL Sol-M 1 ml insulin syringes are luer lock syringes specially designed for the administration of insulin units. These have a smaller diameter and are convenient to use even by the patients. Their clear appearance with prominent markings allows the users to read the units accurately thus reducing the risk of errors.
These products have orange-colored plungers which makes the syringe easy to identify. In addition, the construction material of these syringes is plastic which does not contain DEHP, PVC, or natural rubber latex.
To add to their reliability, these Sol-Millennium 161000LL Sol-M 1 ml luer lock insulin syringes are also CE-marked as well. When injected into a liquid medication-containing vial, the phenomenon of capillary action comes into play and fills the syringe with ease. Their leakage-proof design due to the luer lock mechanism does not allow insulin to go to waste.
Sol-Millennium 1851815B Sol-M 5mL Luer Lock Syringe with Blunt Fill Needle 18 Gauge 1-1/2 Inch (800/CS)
Sol-Millennium 1851815B Sol-M 5mL Luer Lock Syringe with Blunt Fill Needle 18 Gauge 1-1/2 Inch (800/CS)
US$199.88
Product Details
Sol-Millennium 1851815B Sol-M 5 mL luer lock syringes are polypropylene-based devices that come with 18 gauge needles that have a length of 11/2 inches. These needles are fine and have a strong build. Like most other luer lock and luer slip syringes, these products are also transparent and have strong rubber gasket plungers.
In addition, the silicone coating on the plungers allows them to move in the barrel with minimum friction. These Sol-Millennium 1851815B Sol-M 5 mL luer lock syringes are disposable items and must be thrown into a sharps container once their job is done.
Sol-Millennium 1831815B Sol-M 3mL Luer Lock Syringe with Blunt Fill Needle 18 Gauge 1-1/2 Inch (800/CS)
Sol-Millennium 1831815B Sol-M 3mL Luer Lock Syringe with Blunt Fill Needle 18 Gauge 1-1/2 Inch (800/CS)
US$139.88
Product Details
Sol-Millennium 1831815B Sol-M 3 mL luer lock syringes come with blunt fill needles attached to their tips. These needles are 18 gauge and have a length of 11/2 inches. The blunt type of needle significantly reduces the risk of needlestick injuries which are common to occur while handling syringes and needles in healthcare facilities.
These Sol-Millennium 1831815B Sol-M 3 mL luer lock syringes come with blunt fill needles and can be employed for administering medications as well as for IV push administration of drugs in case of needleless IV systems.
Their color-coded hubs allow easy identification of these syringes. Their needle hubs are designed in a way that both luer lock as well as luer slip syringes can be attached to them. However, the products are not autoclavable and are constructed using medical-grade polypropylene. These are sterile, single-use items and must be disposed of properly.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
Luer lock needles are strong and transparent in appearance
All the luer lock syringes mentioned in this article, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of luer lock syringes as well as luer slip syringes.
Conclusion
Among many different types of syringes available for different medical applications, luer lock syringes are well-known owing to their simple design and vast usage. These have sterile needles of different lengths attached to them by a screw fitting mechanism.
This leak-proof assembly thus becomes suitable for the administration of vaccines, antibiotics, insulin, etc. Moreover, these syringes also find vast applications in veterinary medicine. Their different size options allow the physician to choose the most suitable syringe based on the patient’s needs.
Considering their significant role in healthcare, the luer lock syringes should be stocked up. For purchasing different kinds of luer lock syringes, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
References
https://www.statista.com/statistics/913650/vaccination-coverage-adolescents-by-age-us/
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
