Table of Contents
What is a winged infusion set used for?
5.2. 2 Butterfly Needles. Also known as winged infusion sets, these needles are used for both intravenous delivery of fluids or drugs or for blood collection (Figure 8). These needles are generally reserved for phlebotomy from patients with veins that are more fragile or difficult to access using a straight needle.
How many butterfly needles come in a box?
Each box of butterfly needles you order gives you a bag of 100 butterfly needles.
Why don’t they always use butterfly needles?
Butterflies have the highest rate of accidental needle sticks. If done incorrectly, there is an increased potential for a need for a second draw. This can cause discomfort and irritability among patients. In addition, if the needle is not removed carefully, the vein is at risk for damage.
In what patient condition should a butterfly procedure be used?
Common patients who may have superficial veins and often require the use of a butterfly include infants, children, the elderly, and any individuals who may have a history of delicate veins. These client’s veins may be hard to find or thinner overall.
What is butterfly infusion method?
A butterfly needle is a device used to draw blood from a vein or deliver intravenous (IV) therapy to a vein. A butterfly needle consists of a very thin needle, two flexible “wings,” a flexible transparent tubing, and a connector.
What are the advantages of butterfly needles?
What are the advantages of a butterfly needle? Butterfly needles have a reduced rate of blood breaking down, reducing the risk of the blood sample damaged. Butterfly needles are better for those with bleeding disorders. Butterfly needles allow intravenous (IV) access using a small needle.
What angle do you hold a butterfly needle?
Pierce the skin first at a 45 degree angle. Then lower the angle of the needle until it is almost parallel to the skin. Then enter the vein. “Thread” the needle into the vein following the vein’s direction under the skin.
What are the advantages of a butterfly needle?
When should you not use a butterfly needle?
Cons of Higher Butterfly Needle Gauges
- May cause hemolysis: Needles with a gauge size 25 or higher are not always recommended because as needle size gets smaller, the risk of hemolysis increases.
- Takes more time: A smaller needle draws blood at a slower rate than a larger one.
What are the advantages of butterfly needle?
Why is it called a butterfly needle?
A butterfly needle is used to draw blood from superficial veins or administer medications or intravenous (IV) fluids. Medical professionals might also refer to a butterfly needle as a winged infusion set due to the plastic wings on the sides of the needle.
Why is a butterfly needle used?
A butterfly needle is used to access a superficial vein and can be used for drawing blood as well as for an IV injection. These needles are much easier to use and are much less painful for patients. This is because of the winged tubing which allows for greater flexibility.
What is the correct order of draw when using a butterfly?
A winged blood collection device (butterfly) can be used for collecting a specimen as well. If it is used for coagulation studies, a waste tube must be drawn first. The waste tube is drawn first to remove the air in the tubing of the winged collection device.