Winged infusion set

Winged Infusion Set

A winged infusion set, also known as a butterfly needle or scalp vein set, is a device specialized for venipuncture: it is used for accessing a superficial vein for either intravenous injection or phlebotomy. It consists of a hypodermic needle with two flexible "wings" attached that allow the healthcare provider to stabilize the needle during insertion. A length of tubing connects the needle to a connector, which can be attached to a syringe or an intravenous infusion line.

Design and Usage

The design of the winged infusion set facilitates easier access to veins that are difficult to puncture, such as those in pediatric patients, the elderly, or individuals with small or fragile veins. The "wings" on either side of the needle provide a grip for the healthcare professional, enabling precise control over the angle and depth of insertion. This design minimizes discomfort and injury risk to the patient.

Winged infusion sets are commonly used for:

• Drawing blood samples for laboratory testing
• Administering intravenous medications
• Performing subcutaneous or intramuscular injections in patients with difficult venous access

Sizes and Specifications

Winged infusion sets come in various needle lengths and gauges. The choice of size depends on the patient's vein size and the procedure's requirements. Smaller gauge needles (with larger diameters) are used for blood transfusions or when high-volume fluids need to be administered quickly. In contrast, larger gauge needles (with smaller diameters) are used for blood draws or administering medications.

Advantages

The primary advantages of using a winged infusion set include:

• Reduced patient discomfort due to the precise control over needle insertion
• Lower risk of needlestick injuries to healthcare providers, thanks to the wings' stability
• Enhanced access to difficult veins, improving the success rate of venipuncture procedures

Disadvantages

Despite its benefits, the winged infusion set has some limitations:

• It may be more expensive than standard needles and syringes.
• The tubing can cause a "dead space" where blood or medication can accumulate, potentially leading to waste or inaccurate dosing.

Clinical Considerations

When using a winged infusion set, healthcare professionals must observe standard precautions to prevent bloodborne infections. Proper disposal in a sharps container is essential to avoid needlestick injuries. Additionally, practitioners should select the appropriate needle size based on the patient's vein size and the procedure's requirements to minimize discomfort and complications.

See Also

• Venipuncture
• Intravenous therapy
• Phlebotomy
• Needlestick injury