What is a Hypodermic Needle Used For?

A hypodermic needle is a thin, hollow, medical-grade needle designed for precise access to the body’s tissues, most commonly for: Injecting medications, vaccines, or anesthesia (subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous injections) Drawing blood for diagnostic tests Aspirating fluids from the body

What is the Difference Between a Hypodermic Needle and a Regular Needle?

Hypodermic needles are uniquely engineered for skin penetration and injection or withdrawal of fluids, with sharp, beveled tips and medical-grade stainless steel. "Regular" sewing or tattoo needles are not suitable for medical injections or sample collection.

What is Called Hypodermic?

The word "hypodermic" comes from the Greek “hypo” (under) and “derma” (skin). It refers to anything administered or inserted beneath the skin—especially injections delivered through the skin using a needle.

Is an Insulin Needle a Hypodermic Needle?

Yes. An insulin needle is a specific type of hypodermic needle—typically shorter and finer for subcutaneous insulin injections, providing minimal pain and optimal absorption for diabetic patients.

Why Do They Call it a Hypodermic Needle?

It's called "hypodermic" because it is designed for delivering substances below the skin by piercing the epidermis and reaching subcutaneous tissues or veins.

Are Hypodermic Needles Legal?

Yes, hypodermic needles are legal in most countries for medical, laboratory, and approved personal uses. Local regulations may require a prescription or restrict sales to prevent misuse.

Do All Needles Work With All Syringes?

Most hypodermic needles are Luer lock or slip-tip compatible, making them fit with a wide range of standard medical syringes. Always check for compatibility before use.

What are the Three Types of Hypodermic Injections?

Subcutaneous Injection (SC): Just under the skin (e.g., insulin, vaccines) Intramuscular Injection (IM): Into a muscle (e.g., antibiotics, vaccines) Intravenous Injection (IV): Directly into a vein (e.g., medications, fluids)

What is the Most Common Hypodermic Needle?

The 23G to 25G (gauge), 1-inch needle is the most common size for general injections. Needle size varies based on patient age, medication, and injection type.

Is a Tattoo Needle a Hypodermic Needle?

No, tattoo needles are not the same as hypodermic needles. Tattoo needles are designed for pigment injection into the skin but are not suitable or sterile for medical use.

What is the Sharpest Type of Needle?

18G to 27G hypodermic needles with a tri-beveled, ultra-sharp stainless steel tip are among the sharpest needles, designed for smooth, pain-minimized penetration.

Does a Hypodermic Needle Hurt?

Today’s hypodermic needles are ultra-sharp and finely manufactured for comfort—many patients report minimal discomfort. Pain varies by gauge, length, and injection site.

What Country Invented the Hypodermic Needle?

The modern hypodermic needle was invented in the United Kingdom in 1853 by Dr. Alexander Wood and independently by Charles Gabriel Pravaz in France.

Is a Hypodermic Needle The Same As a Syringe?

No. The hypodermic needle is the sharpened metal part attached to a syringe. The syringe is the barrel and plunger used to draw and inject fluid.

Do I Need a Prescription to Buy Hypodermic Needles?

Policies vary by region. In some U.S. states and countries, a prescription is needed. In others, hypodermic needles may be sold over-the-counter for medical use.

How Many Times Can a Hypodermic Needle Be Used?

Hypodermic needles are single-use and must be discarded after one use to prevent infection, blunting, and cross-contamination. Never reuse medical needles.

Are Pen Needles Hypodermic Needles?

Yes, pen needles (such as those for insulin pens) are a specialized form of hypodermic needle, designed for use with injection pens for diabetes and other conditions.

Why Choose Our Hypodermic Needles?

Ultra-sharp, tri-beveled tips for pain-free injection Sterile, individually wrapped—ensuring highest safety standards Multiple gauges and lengths (18G–31G) for every application Luer lock & slip-tip compatibility with all major syringes Trusted by hospitals, clinics, laboratories, research, and home-care

Hypodermic Needles and Syringes

Shop our #1 Hypodermic Needles for safe, precise injections and optimal patient care. Trusted by healthcare professionals, our FDA-approved hypodermic needles are designed for accuracy, comfort, and minimal tissue trauma. Ideal for hospitals, clinics, physician offices, and home health, these sterile, single-use needles support medication administration, blood draws, and vaccinations. Available in multiple gauges and lengths, our latex-free hypodermic needles ensure superior infection control, reliable performance, and the best results for any medical procedure.

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BD Hypodermic Needles, All Gauge Sizes, Sterile 100/Box
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BD Hypodermic Needles – 18G, 21G, 22G, 25G, 26G, 27G | Sterile Single-Use. BD Hypodermic Needles set the global standard for quality, performance, ...
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22 Gauge x 1" Monoject Soft Pack Hypodermic Needles with Polypropylene hub, 100/Box
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Cardinal Health's Monoject Soft Pack Hypodermic Needles are engineered for precision and comfort. These 22 gauge, 1-inch needles feature a poly...
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22 gauge x 1.5" Soft Pack Hypodermic Needles with Polypropylene hub 100/Box
Cardinal Health

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Hypodermic needles are essential tools in the medical field, used primarily for delivering medications, fluids, and vaccines directly into the body...
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Hypodermic Needles and Syringes

BD Hypodermic Needles, All Gauge Sizes, Sterile 100/Box

22 Gauge x 1" Monoject Soft Pack Hypodermic Needles with Polypropylene hub, 100/Box

22 gauge x 1.5" Soft Pack Hypodermic Needles with Polypropylene hub 100/Box

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