Needle

Needle is a tool used in various fields such as medicine, sewing, and tattooing. It is a long, slender piece with a pointed tip at one end and a hole or eye at the other. The earliest needles were made of bone or wood; modern ones are manufactured from high-carbon steel wire and are nickel- or 18K gold-plated for corrosion resistance.

History

The history of needles dates back to the Upper Paleolithic period, around 25,000 BC. The first needles were made of bone or wood. In the 19th century, needles were mass-produced, thanks to the advent of cast-iron machinery and the Industrial Revolution.

Types of Needles

There are various types of needles, including:

• Sewing needle: This is the most common type of needle. It is used to sew cloth or leather together.
• Knitting needle: Used in knitting to weave yarn into cloth.
• Medical needle: Used in medicine to inject substances into the body or extract fluids from it. They are usually disposable and come in various sizes.
• Tattoo needle: Used in tattooing to inject ink into the skin.

Use in Medicine

In medicine, needles are used for a variety of procedures, including vaccination, blood sampling, and surgery. They are usually made of stainless steel and come in various sizes to suit different purposes.

Safety

Needle safety is crucial, especially in the medical field. Used needles can transmit diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis. Therefore, proper disposal of needles is essential.

See Also

• Syringe
• Hypodermic needle
• Sewing machine

Needle Resources
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