Funnel

Funnel is a tube or pipe that is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, used for guiding liquid or powder into a small opening. Funnels are usually made of stainless steel, aluminium, glass, or plastic. The term "funnel" may also refer to the process of funneling.

Uses

Funnels are often used in the medical field, particularly in laboratories and pharmacies. They are used to transfer liquids from one container to another without spillage. Some funnels are designed with a special stopper or valve in the stem to control the flow of liquid.

Types of Funnels

There are several types of funnels that are used for different purposes. These include:

• Separatory Funnel: This type of funnel is used in laboratories to separate liquids of different densities.
• Powder Funnel: A powder funnel has a wide and short stem and is used to transfer powders.
• Dropping Funnel: A dropping funnel, also known as a tap funnel, has a tap to regulate the flow of liquid.
• Thistle Funnel: A thistle funnel has a top shaped like a thistle, which allows for the addition of liquids into a flask or a bottle.

In Medicine

In the medical field, funnels are used in various procedures and tests. For example, they are used in urinalysis to transfer urine from a sample cup into a test tube. They are also used in blood transfusion to guide the blood from the bag to the patient's vein.

Safety

When using a funnel, it is important to ensure that the stem is not filled with liquid, as this can cause a pressure build-up and result in spillage. It is also important to clean the funnel after each use to prevent cross-contamination.

See Also

• Laboratory Equipment
• Medical Equipment

Funnel Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? WikiMD's DocFinder can help find general and specialist physicians.	Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials.