What are hypodermic needles used for?

Hypodermic needles are small, hollow tubes with a sharp edge at one end, used to inject fluids into or extract fluids from the body. They are commonly used in medical and scientific settings, including:

1. Administration of medication: One of the most common uses of hypodermic needles is to administer medication into the body. This can include injections of vaccines, insulin, antibiotics, and other medications.

2. Intravenous therapy: Hypodermic needles are also used to deliver fluids, nutrients, and medications directly into the bloodstream through a vein. This is known as intravenous (IV) therapy and is often used in hospitals or clinics.

3. Blood sampling: In medical settings, hypodermic needles are also used to draw blood for various tests and screenings. This is often done at blood donation centers, diagnostic labs, and hospitals.

4. Drug abuse: Unfortunately, hypodermic needles are sometimes used by individuals as a way to inject illicit drugs into their bodies. This can lead to the spread of diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.

5. Tattooing and body art: Some tattoo artists and body piercers use sterilized hypodermic needles to create intricate designs on the skin.

6. Insulin pens: For individuals with diabetes who need to inject insulin daily, they may use a pen-shaped device that contains a hypodermic needle to deliver the medication under the skin.

7. Veterinary care: Hypodermic needles are also used in animal veterinary care for administering medication and vaccines to pets, livestock, and other animals.

It is important to always use clean, sterile hypodermic needles and dispose of them properly to prevent the spread of infections and diseases.