Butterfly needles, or winged infusion sets, are specialized medical needles designed for venipuncture, offering advantages such as reduced patient discomfort and improved precision during blood draws and IV access. They are particularly beneficial for patients with fragile veins, including pediatrics and geriatrics, due to their smaller size and design that minimizes tissue trauma. The document highlights their applications, usage techniques, and benefits, along with their crucial role in various healthcare settings.

1. How to Choose
the Right
Butterfly Needles
for Your Medical
Needs

2. What are Butterfly Needles?
At first glance, a butterfly needles may appear as a delicate instrument, but its
construction is far from simple. Comprising a slender stainless steel shaft with a hub
on one end and a pair of flexible wings on the other, this needle epitomizes precision.
The needle’s fine gauge, usually 21-27G, ensures minimal trauma during insertion,
making it an ideal choice for patients with fragile veins.
The wings of the butterfly needle serve a dual purpose, providing stability during
venipuncture and acting as a handle for the healthcare professional. Attached to the
hub, these wings allow for precise control and manipulation of the needle, a crucial
factor when dealing with intricate procedures.

3. Applications of the Butterfly Needles
Butterfly needles find their niche in the medical field as indispensable instruments for
venipuncture, a procedure involving the puncturing of veins to obtain blood samples or
administer medications and fluids directly into the bloodstream.
This refined needle apparatus excels in situations where precision and minimal tissue
damage are paramount. Its primary applications encompass blood draws, intravenous
injections, and the collection of diagnostic samples.
Moreover, butterfly needles are often prefer for patients with fragile or small veins, as they
reduce the risk of bruising and discomfort.

4. How Butterfly Needles Are Used
The art of utilizing butterfly needles demands a deft hand and a profound understanding of
the human vascular system. To commence, the healthcare provider disinfects the chosen
venipuncture site and identifies the optimal vein.
The butterfly needle, held like a pen for precision, is then gently inserted into the vein,
securing access to the bloodstream. The wings of the needle play a pivotal role in
maintaining stability during this delicate process.
Once in position, blood can be drawn or medications and fluids administered with
remarkable accuracy.

5. When to use Butterfly Needles
A butterfly needle, also known as a winged
infusion set or scalp vein set, is a type of medical
needle commonly used for venipuncture and
intravenous (IV) access.
It consists of a thin, flexible tube (catheter)
attached to a set of “wings” that allow for better
control and manoeuvrability during insertion.
Butterfly needles are typically use in specific
situations when a regular needle may not be as
suitable.

6. When a patient has small, fragile, or difficult-to-
access veins, such as in pediatric or older age
patients, or individuals with chronic medical
conditions, a butterfly needle may be used
because of its smaller gauge and flexibility.
Difficult Vein Access
Butterfly needles are often used when a
relatively small volume of blood needs to be
drawn for diagnostic tests or monitoring
purposes, such as for routine blood work.
Small Volume Blood Draws
They are suitable for areas with delicate or
sensitive skin, like the back of the hand or the
scalp, as they minimize discomfort and tissue
trauma.
Delicate Areas
Butterfly needles use for short-term IV access
when a peripheral IV line is necessary for a
short duration, such as administering a single
dose of medication or hydration.
Short-Term Intravenous Access

7. Butterfly needles are commonly use in
phlebotomy training programs to teach
students venipuncture techniques due to their
ease of use and reduced risk of complications.
Phlebotomy Training
Butterfly needles are often prefer for pediatric
patients because of their smaller size and
reduced risk of discomfort.
Pediatrics
In Geriatrics patients with fragile veins, a
butterfly needle may be the best option to
minimize complications.
Geriatrics
Patients who require frequent blood draws,
such as those undergoing chemotherapy, may
benefit from the use of butterfly needles to
reduce discomfort and damage to their veins
over time.
Frequent Blood Draws

8. Advantages of Using a Butterfly Needles
● Reduced Patient Discomfort
● Improved Vein Visibility
● Less Risk of Hematomas
● Accurate Blood Draws
● Reduced Risk of Infiltration
● Ideal for Paediatric and Geriatric
Patients
● Flexibility and Manoeuvrability
● Decreased Needlestick Injuries
● Use in Delicate Procedures
● Easier to Control Flow Rate
● Compatibility with Multiple Lure
Lock Devices
Using a butterfly needle, also known as a winged infusion set or scalp vein set.
Choosing a butterfly needle over conventional options offers several distinct
advantages.

9. Reduced Patient Discomfort
Butterfly needles are typically smaller in gauge size (typically 21-27 gauge) compare to standard
needles, which means they are thinner and cause less tissue damage. This results in reduced pain
and discomfort for the patient during venipuncture.
Less Risk of Hematomas
Due to their smaller size and design, butterfly needles are less likely to cause hematomas or
bruising at the injection site. This is crucial for patients who require frequent blood draws or
intravenous (IV) access.
Reduced Risk of Infiltration
The wings of the butterfly needle provide stability during the procedure, reducing the risk of vein
infiltration, where the needle punctures through the vein wall.

10. Accurate Blood Draws
Healthcare professionals can achieve precise blood draws, which is vital for diagnostic tests,
monitoring specific parameters, or collecting blood for various medical procedures.
Ideal for Pediatric and Geriatric Patients
Butterfly needles are particularly useful for pediatric and geriatric patients, as they are less
intimidating due to their smaller size and cause less discomfort during venipuncture.
Improved Vein Visibility
The butterfly needle’s flexible tubing and small, butterfly-shaped wings allow for better control
and visibility of the insertion site. This is especially beneficial when dealing with small or fragile
veins, making it easier to locate and access the vein.

11. Flexibility and Maneuverability
The flexible tubing of a butterfly needle allows for better maneuverability, making it easier for
healthcare professionals to access veins in hard-to-reach areas.
Use in Delicate Procedures
They are suitable for delicate procedures like IV cannulation, arterial blood gas sampling, and
administering medications that require precise control.
Improved Patient Comfort During Prolonged Infusions: When administering prolonged infusions
or medications, patients may find butterfly needles more comfortable due to their design and
reduced trauma to the vein.
Decreased Needlestick Injuries
Butterfly needles often have safety features, such as retractable needles or easy-to-activate
safety shields, which reduce the risk of accidental needlestick injuries for healthcare workers.

12. Easier to Control Flow Rate
The smaller bore of butterfly needles allows for better control of the flow rate during infusions,
ensuring that medications or fluids are administered at the correct rate.
Compatibility with Multiple Luer Lock Devices
Butterfly needles often have Luer lock connectors, making them compatible with various medical
devices and reducing the need for additional adapters.
In summary, the use of a butterfly needle offers several advantages, including increased patient
comfort, improved vein visibility, reduced risk of complications, and enhanced control during
medical procedures. These advantages make butterfly needles a valuable tool in healthcare
settings, especially when dealing with patients of different ages and with various medical needs.

13. Conclusion
In the intricate tapestry of medical tools and instruments, butterfly needles stand out
as delicate yet indispensable components. Their purpose, to facilitate precise
venipuncture for blood collection and IV administration, makes them a cornerstone in
various clinical settings.
With a variety of types to suit specific needs, these needles combine precision and
minimally invasive design, offering a plethora of advantages while acknowledging
certain limitations. A thorough understanding of butterfly needles and their
applications is essential for healthcare providers, ensuring safe and effective patient
care in the ever-evolving landscape of medicine.

14. Contact
US
melvin.lu@kdlnc.com
+86-0791-8816-1216
7/F, Tower A, 77 Aixihu North Road, High
tech Zone, Nanchang 330096 Jiangxi,
China