Choosing a Syringe: Guide to the Different Types of Syringes

By: Brittany Crafton

Cell Instruments Product Page

Choosing the right syringe type depends on the specific application and the requirements of your task. Syringes come in various sizes, materials, and designs, each suited for different purposes. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a syringe type.

Volume Capacity

Choose a syringe that can hold the volume of liquid or substance you need to measure or dispense. Syringes come in various sizes, ranging from a few microliters to several milliliters or more.

Type of Material

Syringes can be made from different materials such as plastic, glass, or metal. Plastic syringes are lightweight and disposable, while glass syringes are more durable and can be sterilized for reuse. Metal syringes are often used for specialized applications.

Accuracy and Precision

For applications requiring high accuracy and precision, choose a syringe with zero, or extremely low dead-volume, with a gas-tight feature. This will ensure proper handling of samples in the sub-microliter range. WPI&#;s NanoFil Sub-Microliter Injection Systems are popular low dead volume syringes.

Needle Compatibility

Consider whether you need a syringe with an attached needle or a Luer lock or Luer slip tip for attaching separate needles. The needle size should be appropriate for the viscosity and volume of the substance you are working with.

Application

Different applications require different syringe types. Medical applications, research, laboratory work, and industrial processes each have specific syringe requirements. For instance, insulin syringes are designed for subcutaneous injections, while gas-tight syringes are used for gas chromatography, and subcortical infusions in small-animal models.

Viscosity

The viscosity of the substance you're working with can impact the syringe choice. For highly viscous liquids, you might need a syringe with a larger diameter, a more robust plunger mechanism, and a larger inner-diameter compatible needle.

Disposable vs. Reusable

Consider whether you need a disposable syringe for one-time use or a reusable one that can be sterilized and used multiple times. This decision affects both cost and environmental impact, as well as the quality of your application.

Special Features

Some syringes come with special features, such as retractable needles for safety, built-in mechanisms for preventing overfilling, gas-tight seals for handling volatile substances, or needle &#;sleeves&#; that breach the inner syringe barrel to achieve zero dead volume between the needle and plunger mechanism. See WPI&#;s NanoFil syringes.

Compatibility with Chemicals

Ensure that the syringe material is compatible with the substances you will be working with. Certain chemicals or solvents can react with some materials, leading to degradation or contamination.

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Ease-of-Use

Ergonomics and ease of use are important, especially for applications where repetitive tasks are involved. Look for syringes with comfortable grips and smooth plunger movement, or if needed, its compatibility with a desired syringe pump set-up.

Brand and Quality

Choose syringes from reputable manufacturers known for producing high-quality products. Quality syringes are less likely to leak, break, or provide inaccurate measurements. Further, ensure the vendor offers quality support for any technical question you may have.

Regulations and Standards

Your industry and application may have regulations or standards that dictate the type of syringe you should use. Ensure compliance with any relevant guidelines.

Ultimately, the right syringe type will depend on the specific needs of your task, the substances you are working with, and any regulations that apply to your field. If you are unsure, consulting with experts in your field or reaching out to the WPI team can help you make an informed decision! Give us a call at (866) 606- or us at wpi@wpiinc.com.
 
Now that you know the various types of syringes to choose from, you&#;ll have a better idea of which models you need for your own applications. Browse our selection of syringes at World Precision Instruments if you&#;re looking for new instruments for your laboratory or educational facilities. If you have any further questions about the types of syringes we offer, contact our experts at World Precision Instruments to learn more.
 

Shop Syringes

Syringe Testing is a critical step in developing and commercialising needle-based injection systems for medical use. By testing mechanical properties, such as break-loose and glide force, as well as biocompatibility, extractables and leachables, sterility, packaging and transit properties, we can determine if the device is within standard specifications, reducing the likelihood of improper function.

Eurofins Medical Device Testing network of laboratories has experience performing an array of standard and non-standard testing on syringes to verify their safety.

Choose Eurofins Medical Device Testing to help you:

• Determine the necessary testing requirements for your device
• Write GMP-compliant and ISO standard driven protocols and methods
• Perform the required tests to demonstrate that the expected performance criteria are satisfied
• Complete batch release activities and/or gain regulatory approval

Testing Available

The Eurofins Medical Device Testing network of laboratories offers global capabilities on a diverse range of needle-based injection systems. We are able to perform the tests outlined in the applicable ANSI, AAMI, ASTM and ISO standards for the following areas:

• Mechanical Testing for syringes, described in ISO , including Break-Loose, Glide Force, Luer Fitting, Syringe to Hub Retention and Syringe Accuracy (TOGC)
• Biocompatibility Testing
• Transit Testing
• Package and Sterile Seal Integrity Testing
• Sterilisation Testing
• Residual EtO
• EP/USP Testing
• Siliconisation Testing

We work closely with our clients to understand the unique characteristics of the delivery device to provide accurate and meaningful data.

Instrumentation

• A range of Instron® and Zwick testing systems with validated software to perform mechanical tests
• More than 500 state-of-the-art chromatographic analysers for chemical characterisation
• More than 5,300 m3 (187,000 ft3) of environmental chamber space for shelf life testing
• Over 6,300 m2 (68,000 ft2) of lab space for microbiological testing

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Hot Tack Tester.