We carry major brands and styles of insulin syringes.
Call (877) 937-8342 or order syringes online
Our most common:
A Gentle Touch. An Easy Read!
The Ultilet® Insulin Syringe is packed in convenient 10 packs, with 100 syringes to a box. Its precision smooth needle allows for the most comfortable injection known today. Ultilet® insulin syringes come in 29 gauge, standard 1/2 inch needle, 1cc and 1/2 cc sizes and 30 gauge, short (5/16 inch) needle, 1cc and 1/2 cc sizes
We also feature BD and SMS syringes.
Diabetes Insulin Syringe Frequently Asked Questions
Courtesy of Becton, Dickinson, and co. (BD) regarding BD Syringes.
Much info is generic for insulin syringes.
Q: What size syringes are available?
A: BD manufactures insulin syringes with the BD Ultra-Fine™,
BD Ultra-Fine™ II and BD Micro-Fine™ needles in 1 cc (100 unit),
1/2 cc (50 unit) and 3/10 cc (30 unit) sizes.
Q: In the 12.7mm length, what is the difference between 28 gauge and 30 gauge needles?
A: The 30 gauge needle is thinner. The larger the gauge number, the thinner the needle.
Q: What is the difference between the 1 cc, the 1/2 cc, and the 3/10 cc sizes?
A: The 3/10 cc insulin syringes are to be used for doses of 30 units or less; the 1/2 cc insulin syringes are for 50 units or less; the 1 cc insulin syringes are for 100 units or less.
Q: How do I
determine which type of needle to use?
A: Needle size refers to both the length and
gauge (thickness) of the needle.
Needle Length
BD syringes are available with original needles (1/2" or 12.7mm)
and short needles (5/16" or 8mm). BD Pen Needles are available
in 1/2" (12.7mm), 5/16" (8mm) and 3/16" (5mm) lengths.
The pain that insulin users may feel when they inject depends on
their insulin dose, where they inject, the amount of fatty
tissue under their skin, and other factors. Some insulin users
prefer short needles because they find them to be more
comfortable. However, some people find that the longer, original
needle length is more comfortable for them.
If you are overweight, you may not be able to control blood
sugar as reliably with short needles. Talk to your doctor or
nurse educator to see if short needles are right for you. If you
give them a try, you'll need to check your blood sugar regularly
to ensure that the short needle isn't affecting your blood
glucose control.
Needle Gauge (thickness)
The word 'gauge' rhymes with 'cage' and tells how thick a needle
is. Depending on the needle length you choose, you might
also have a choice of gauge.
- The higher the gauge, the thinner the needle. For
example, a 31 gauge needle is thinner than a 28 gauge
needle.
- BD syringes are available with 28 gauge
(BD Micro-Fine™ IV), 30 gauge (BD Ultra-Fine™), or
31 gauge BD Ultra-Fine™ II Short needles.
- BD pen needles are available in 29 gauge
(BD Ultra-Fine™ Original) and 31 gauge
(BD Ultra-Fine™ II Short and BD Ultra-Fine™ III Mini).
Choosing
a Syringe Needle Gauge
12.7mm BD syringe needles are available in
both 28 gauge and 30 gauge; 8mm syringe needles are only
available in 31 gauge.
Some people prefer 30 or 31 gauge needles because they're
thinner. Other people prefer 28 gauge needles because they're
less flexible.
If you'd like to try a 31 gauge syringe needle, talk to your doctor, because the use of a shorter needle may change your blood sugar control.
Q: Can the syringes be reused?
A: BD™ Insulin Syringes are designed for single use only, and are clearly labeled as such. Today's insulin needle is thinner and more delicate for greater comfort, so needle reuse can damage the tip and cause injury. Use only once.
Q: How do I properly dispose of syringes?
A: In many cases, local communities establish disposal rules. So first, check with your town or trash removal company about safe disposal of used syringes and lancets. A good place to call may be your local health department. The following are some guidelines that may be helpful:
| Never throw loose syringes or lancets into the trash. If you are disposing your own syringe, clip the needle with a needle-clipping device such as the BD Safe-Clip™ Insulin Syringe Needle Clipper, which can be ordered through your pharmacy. | |
| Never handle someone else's syringe unless a healthcare professional trains you in proper injection technique and disposal. If you inject someone else or dispose of their syringe, use extreme caution to avoid needlesticks which can transmit serious, even grave infections. Never recap or destroy a needle that has been used by someone else. Immediately after the injection, place the used syringe, still intact, in a safe container as described below. | |
| Put the used syringe or lancet into a BD™ Home Sharps Container or a hard plastic or metal container with a screw-on tightly secured lid, such as an empty coffee can or a bleach bottle. Keep this container away from children. When the container is full, seal the lid securely and dispose of properly. | |
| Never dispose of used syringes or other medical waste in recyclable trash. Syringes and lancets are not recyclable. |
Q: Can the syringes be prefilled?
A: BD does not recommend that any of our syringes be prefilled more than a few minutes in advance of the injection. There are no conclusive studies to determine the safety or risks associated with this practice.
Q: Do the syringes have an expiration date?
A: There is no expiration date for insulin syringes. Syringes should be stored in a temperate, dry area.
Q: Can BD™ Insulin Syringes be used for other types of medications?
A: Your Doctor or Pharmacist should prescribe the proper type of syringe to be used for your medication.
Q: How are the syringes sterilized?
A: The sterilization process used is cobalt irradiation. The sterilization is the last process before shipping to the Distribution Centers. The syringes are already packed in their outer cartons.
Q: Does Medicare cover the cost of Insulin Syringes?
A: Please check your local Social Security Office for this information.
Q: Where can I purchase BD™ Insulin Syringes and what is the cost?
A: All our products are available at stores/pharmacies. If a particular item isn't available it can be ordered by the Pharmacist. Prices are set at the retail level and vary from store to store. Note: Western Diabetic sells many types of syringes.
If you have any questions about insulin syringes, contact us today.
