Insulin Syringes: A Thorough Breakdown

Today I would like to talk about syringes. We get so many questions regarding syringes, from; “Can I re-use syringes?” to “Can I use these U40 syringes with U100 insulin?” to “What is the difference between U40 and U100, 1 unit is 1 unit, right”? So let’s break down syringes!

U40 syringes are used for Vetsulin / Caninsulin, and ProZinc insulins. U40 insulin has 40 parts of insulin per 1 mL of solution.

U100 syringes are used for NPH insulin, Glargine, Detemir insulins. These are human insulins that are used for dogs. U100 insulin has 100 parts of insulin per 1 mL of solution.

This means that the barrels hold different amounts, and this is why it is so important to use the proper syringe for insulin. Using the wrong type of syringe will over-dose or under-dose your dog. There are countries that use U100 syringes with U40 insulin, and a conversion is necessary to get the appropriate dose.

Now let’s break down an actual syringe!

NEEDLE LENGTH

Delivers the insulin into the subcutaneous area, needles must be long enough to get to the appropriate space for proper absorption. AAHA recommends using a ½” (12.7 mm) length needle for dogs.

We do know that smaller dogs can get away with using the 5/16” (8 mm) length needles without problem. Since a dog’s skin is typically thicker than a human's skin, it is not recommended to use a 15/64” (6 mm).

GAUGE

Or “G” is the diameter of the needle. The larger the number, the smaller the diameter, so a 31 gauge needle is thinner in diameter than a 29 gauge needle.

BARREL

This is what holds the insulin. There are unit markings on each syringe for dosing. Depending on the amount of insulin a syringe holds, syringe barrels may have ½ unit markings and 1 unit markings, have 1 unit markings only, and there are syringes that have 2 unit markings.

PLUNGER

Moveable part of the syringe that draws up and pushes insulin.

I know that this is a lot of information, and syringes can be pretty confusing; especially for those that have never worked in the medical field. Hopefully this helps clear up any confusion, if you have any questions or comments please start a conversation below. We would love to hear from you!

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Be sure to check out ShopPetTest.com for syringes. Just click on the link to take you directly to the product.

U100 SYRINGES

Advocate U-100 Insulin Syringes 30 G, 0.3 cc, 5/16” https://shoppettest.com/advocate-syringes-30g-3cc-5-16-100-box/

Advocate U-100 Insulin Syringes 30G, 0.5 cc 5/16" https://shoppettest.com/syringes-30g-0-5cc/

Advocate U-100 Insulin Syringes 30G, 0.3cc, 1/2" https://shoppettest.com/advocate-u-100-insulin-syringes-30g-3cc-1-2-100-box-1/

Advocate U-100 Insulin Syringes 31G, 0.3cc, 5/16" https://shoppettest.com/syringes-31g-3cc/

Advocate U-100 Insulin Syringes 31G, 0.5cc, 5/16" https://shoppettest.com/syringes-31g-5cc/

U40 SYRINGES

PetTest U-40 Insulin Syringes 31G, 0.3CC, 5/16" https://shoppettest.com/advocate-pettest-u-40-insulin-syringes-31g-3cc-5-16-100-box/

PetTest U-40 Insulin Syringes 31G, 0.5CC, 5/16" https://shoppettest.com/advocate-pettest-u-40-insulin-syringes-31g-5cc-5-16-100-box/

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