5 Facts about syringes you wish you knew

Syringes are an essential part of the medical world. From administering vaccines to drawing blood, syringes are an important tool in the medical industry. Despite their widespread use, most people don't know much about them. In this blog post, we'll explore some interesting facts about syringes you may not have known. Keep reading about syringes' history, uses, and other fascinating tidbits.

Facts about syringes

The first recorded use of the syringe was in 1844

The syringe has become an essential tool in modern medicine, providing a quick and accurate way to administer medication, extract bodily fluids, and perform many medical procedures. The invention of the syringe revolutionized medical practice, making it possible to deliver precise doses of medication directly into the bloodstream or organs. Today, syringes are useful for vaccinations, blood tests, and chemotherapy treatments, among many other applications. 

The earliest known medical use of the syringe was to remove cataracts

The earliest recorded medical use of the medical syringe was for a different purpose – removing cataracts. This technique was first recorded in 1844 by German ophthalmologist Carl Koller. Koller's syringe use revolutionized the procedure, making it less invasive and dangerous. Cataract surgery is a routine procedure today, but it is interesting that the humble syringe played a key role in its development.

The modern syringe is made of glass or plastic

While the first syringes were made of metal, today's syringes are made of either glass or plastic. Glass syringes are more commonly useful in medical settings due to their durability and resistance to chemical corrosion. Plastic syringes are also popular, especially in home care settings, because they are lightweight and easy to dispose of.

Both types of syringes come in different sizes, depending on their intended use. The material used in a syringe may also affect its cost, with plastic syringes generally being less expensive than their glass counterparts.

There are two types of syringes: hypodermic and non-hypodermic

Two distinct types of syringes are beneficial for various medical purposes. One type is hypodermic syringes, primarily used for injecting fluids beneath the skin into the bloodstream or other body tissues. These syringes are equipped with a sharp needle to pierce the skin without causing significant pain or tissue damage. The other type of syringe is a non-hypodermic syringe designed to administer medicine through alternative routes such as the nose, ears, eyes, or mouth. These syringes do not have a needle and often come in a luer-lock or slip-tip configuration, making them ideal for use in various medical situations. 

Hypodermic syringes are beneficial for injecting medication into the body, while non-hypodermic syringes are for drawing fluids from the body.

When you think of syringes, you probably imagine a doctor administering a vaccine or medication through a needle. This is the function of a hypodermic syringe, the most common type used in medicine. Hypodermic syringes are for injecting medication or fluids into the body, such as during vaccination or when administering insulin to a patient with diabetes.

Non-hypodermic syringes, on the other hand, are for drawing bodily fluids. These types of needles are often used in diagnostic procedures, such as when a doctor needs to take a blood sample to test for a specific condition. They are also useful for draining fluid from a cyst or abscess.

 It's always important to use the correct type of diabetic syringe for the intended use to ensure safe and effective medical treatment.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of syringes can help demystify these common medical tools and help us appreciate the advancements in medical technology that have made them so valuable to modern medicine.