Winged infusion sets are devices commonly used by doctors and nurses in health care settings to draw blood from a patient or infuse them with medication. These are commonly referred to as butterfly needles because they have a shape that resembles wings of the butterflies. The design of this allows healthcare providers to be able to work much more simpler and safer as such.
That needle is much easier to hold and control with wings on the margins. This will make sure that the needle remains secured in a familiar position and not flying around which becomes quite crucial during medical procedures. At times, these winged infusion sets are attached with tubes as well. They are great for veins that even the regular needle might find difficult to poke! This is common in small veins and children or patients who have difficult to access venipuncture sites.
Some of the key considerations while selecting right winged infusion set are discussed here in this article. A GEM From DR BECK:. consider patient age/size and vein condition. These elements can assist to decide upon what needle size and type will fit every individual. Winged infusion sets are also available in a variety of sizes, although the most common is 21-23 gauge with 23 being the smallest needle.
Besides this, the length of a needle plays an important role. It needs to be long enough that it reaches the vein you are targeting, but not so long as cause damage to surrounding tissue. The tubing is another factor to consider as its length will also play a big role in what advert or sponsor looks great from the outside. More tubing increases the risk for blood clots forming within those tubes. Conversely, if the tubing is too short, it might be difficult to adequately manipulate and maneuver the needle.
When choosing a winged infusion set, it is always important to consult with a healthcare professional. They will provide you with professional guidance and can help in figuring out which one is best for your specific requirement.
Incorrectly placing a winged infusion set can have negative consequences for patient safety and comfort. The following steps are need to be done in order for the insertion to work correctly:
It is of utmost importance to discard the winged infusion set properly, after using it. Dispose of this product in a sharps container Lastly, always wash your hands before and after you put in the needle to keep it clean.