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Chapter 11 Clinical Techniques 201

Syringes and Needles There are two types of syringes used in veterinary
practice. The most common are made of plastic and are
disposed of after a single use. Plastic syringes come in
A syringe is a medical instrument used to inject fluids units for insulin and 1–140 mL sizes (Figure 11.26).
into the body or withdraw fluids from the body. Every Syringes have different‐sized graduations depending on
syringe has four parts (Figure 11.24). The barrel holds the size of the syringe. Insulin syringes come as either 40
the liquid to be drawn and is marked with measurements or 100 units. This is a smaller measurement than millili-
called graduations which are used to fill the syringe to the ters and is used to deliver minute amounts of insulin
proper dose. The plunger is tipped with a rubber gasket
that pulls the solution into the syringe and then pushes
the solution into the body by manipulating the plunger
with your fingers. The tip is where the needle or end of
a catheter attaches to the syringe. There are three types Tip
of tip available (Figure 11.25):
A. Plain tip or slip tip is centered on the end of the
syringe and the needle simply slides on Barrel
B. Eccentric tip is off center and is found on 6 mL and
larger syringes because the barrels are so large it
makes the needles go deeper
C. Luer Lock tip has threads that the hub of the needle
or catheter screws onto the tip of syringe, “locking”
it in place.
Graduations

Plunger

FIGURE 11.22 Fluorescein strips. FIGURE 11.24 Parts of a syringe.

FIGURE 11.23 Tonometers.