Butterfly needles are widely used as a blood collection device in hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. Compared with traditional needles, butterfly needles provide better control, improved patient comfort, and greater flexibility during venipuncture.
Among all selection factors, butterfly needle gauge is one of the most important considerations. Understanding needle gauge differences helps healthcare professionals and medical supply buyers choose the right medical device for different clinical needs.
What is a butterfly needle?
A butterfly needle, also known as a winged infusion set, is a small needle with two flexible plastic wings attached to the hub. These wings allow for easier handling and stabilization during insertion.
A typical butterfly needle consists of:
A short stainless steel needle
Two flexible wings for grip and control
Soft tubing connected to a luer adapter
As a commonly used medical consumable, butterfly needles are designed for:
Blood collection procedures
Short-term IV access
Pediatric and geriatric patients
Patients with small or fragile veins
Butterfly needle vs straight needle
Both butterfly needles and straight needles are essential medical supplies, but they serve different purposes.
| Feature | Butterfly Needle | Straight Needle |
| Needle length | Short | Longer |
| Control | High | Moderate |
| Patient comfort | Higher | Lower |
| Best for small veins | Yes | No |
| Typical use | Blood collection | Routine venipuncture |
Because of their design, butterfly needles are often preferred as a blood collection device when precision and comfort are priorities.
Why Butterfly Needle Gauge Matters
The butterfly needle gauge refers to the diameter of the needle. In the medical gauge system, the smaller the gauge number, the thicker the needle, while a higher gauge number means a thinner needle.
Butterfly needle gauge directly affects:
Blood flow rate during collection
Patient pain and comfort
Risk of hemolysis
Suitability for different vein conditions
Choosing the correct gauge helps ensure safe and efficient use of a blood collection device. For hospitals, laboratories, and medical supply buyers, proper gauge selection also improves sample quality and reduces procedure-related complications.
Pros of Lower Gauge Butterfly Needles
Lower gauge butterfly needles have a larger diameter. A common example is the 21G butterfly needle.
Key advantages include:
Faster blood flow for multiple tube collection
Lower risk of hemolysis
Stable blood flow for laboratory testing
Suitable for adult patients with strong, visible veins
Lower gauge butterfly needles are widely used in hospitals and diagnostic labs and are commonly stocked as standard medical consumables.
Pros of Higher Gauge Butterfly Needles
Higher gauge butterfly needles are thinner in diameter, such as the 23G butterfly needle and 25G butterfly needle.
Main benefits include:
Less insertion pain and improved patient comfort
Better for small, fragile, or rolling veins
Reduced risk of vein damage
Suitable for pediatric and geriatric patients
Although blood flow is slower, higher gauge butterfly needles remain essential medical supplies in specialized care settings.
Common Butterfly Needle Gauges and Their Uses
Different butterfly needle gauges are designed for different clinical applications.
21G butterfly needle
Used for routine adult blood collection and standard laboratory testing
23G butterfly needle
Suitable for patients with small or delicate veins, including elderly patients
25G butterfly needle
Commonly used for pediatric and neonatal blood collection
Selecting the appropriate butterfly needle gauge ensures effective performance of the medical device and improves overall blood collection efficiency.
Conclusion
Understanding the gauge of butterfly needle is essential for selecting the right blood collection device. Compared with a straight needle, butterfly needles offer better control and comfort, especially for patients with difficult vein access.
Whether choosing a 21G butterfly needle for routine use or a 25G butterfly needle for pediatric care, proper gauge selection helps improve patient experience, sample quality, and clinical efficiency. As a widely used medical consumable, butterfly needles play a key role in modern healthcare systems.
FAQ: Butterfly Needle Gauge
1. What does butterfly needle gauge mean?
Butterfly needle gauge refers to the thickness of the needle. In the gauge system, a lower gauge number means a thicker needle, while a higher gauge number indicates a thinner needle.
2. Which butterfly needle gauge is best for blood collection?
The 21G butterfly needle is commonly used for routine adult blood collection due to its faster blood flow and lower risk of hemolysis. However, smaller gauges may be preferred for patients with fragile veins.
3. When should a 23G or 25G butterfly needle be used?
A 23G butterfly needle or 25G butterfly needle is typically used for pediatric, geriatric, or patients with small veins, where comfort and vein protection are more important than flow speed.
Post time: Feb-02-2026