Luer taper

Luer Taper is a standardized system of small-scale fluid fittings used for making leak-free connections between a male-taper fitting and its mating female part on medical and laboratory instruments, including hypodermic syringe tips and needles or stopcocks and needles.

History

The Luer Taper connection system was named after the German instrument maker Hermann Wülfing Luer, who introduced it in the late 19th century for use in hypodermic needles.

Design

The design comprises a male and a female component, each having a 6% taper. This connection is often referred to as a Luer lock. The male component is typically a syringe and the female component is typically a needle or tubing. The two are connected by a push-fit or twist-lock action, aided by the slight taper.

Standards

The Luer Taper is governed by international standards, including ISO 594-1 and ISO 594-2. These standards ensure that connections made between different manufacturers' products are compatible and leak-free.

Misconnections

Despite the standardization, there have been instances of misconnections, which can lead to serious medical errors. To prevent this, the ISO developed a new standard, ISO 80369, which specifies general requirements for small-bore connectors intended to be used in medical devices.

See also

• Medical device
• Syringe
• Hypodermic needle

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