Syringe

Syringe is a simple reciprocating pump consisting of a plunger (though in modern syringes, it's actually a piston) that fits tightly within a cylindrical tube called a barrel. The plunger can be linearly pulled and pushed along the inside of the tube, allowing the syringe to take in and expel liquid or gas through a discharge orifice at the front (open) end of the tube. The open end of the syringe may be fitted with a hypodermic needle, a nozzle, or tubing to help direct the flow into and out of the barrel.

History

The word "syringe" is derived from the Greek σύριγξ (syrinx) meaning "tube". The first known use of the word syringe was in the 14th century.

Types

There are several types of syringes used for various purposes, including:

• Hypodermic syringe
• Oral syringe
• Insulin syringe
• Tuberculin syringe

Uses

Syringes are used for various medical procedures such as injections, infusion pumps, and aspiration. They are also used in non-medical applications such as in inkjet printing and water guns.

Safety

The reuse of syringes and needles poses a risk of infection, especially when not properly sterilized. To minimize this risk, many medical professionals use safety syringes which have built-in mechanisms to prevent reuse.

See also

• Needlestick injury
• Syringe driver
• Syringe services program

Syringe Resources
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