Butterfly Needle

What is a butterfly needle?

A butterfly needle is a device that your healthcare provider may use to draw blood from your vein. They also use it to deliver fluids or medications into your veins. It’s also known as a winged infusion set or a scalp vein set.

It gets its name from the two butterfly “wings” on either side of the needle. These wings help your provider grip the needle when they insert it into your skin. The needle connects to clear, flexible tubing. The tubing has a connector or adapter on the end. The connector attaches to a syringe, blood collection tube or IV line.

What are butterfly needles used for?

Butterfly needles are mainly used for:

• Blood draws: A phlebotomist uses a butterfly needle to get a sample of your blood for blood tests. It may be used if you’re giving blood to a blood bank.
• IV fluids: Butterfly needles can give you hydration when you’re dehydrated or unable to eat or drink due to illness or injury.
• IV medications: Butterfly needles can deliver medications straight into your vein. This can be helpful for giving pain medication, antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs.

Parts of a butterfly needle

Butterfly needles come in a variety of gauges, or sizes. They range from 18 to 27 gauge. The higher the number, the thinner the needle (27 gauge is ultra-fine). The tip of the needle is very thin and angled at the end, so it goes in more easily.

The needle consists of two plastic wings on either side. Your provider holds the needle by the wings. This positioning helps them guide the needle into your vein more accurately.

The needle is attached to clear, flexible tubing that can range from about 8 inches to 15 inches (20 to 35 centimeters). The tubing usually has a twisting lock or adapter. This ensures a leak-proof connection between the needle and the device your provider is using to collect blood or deliver fluids/medications. Some adapters have ports where your provider can insert a syringe to push medications through the tubing.

What are the advantages of using this needle?

Some of the main benefits of a butterfly needle are:

• Good for small veins: Butterfly needles tend to be a good option for infants, children and older adults who often have fragile, narrow or hard-to-find veins.
• More precise placement: Butterfly needles give providers more control when they insert the needle. The wings also help keep the needle in place if you move or shift.
• More comfortable: A butterfly needle tends to be gentler and typically causes less pain compared to a straight needle. It’s good for people who are fearful of needles.
• Short-term use: They’re ideal for quick blood draws or short-term delivery of medication/fluids. They aren’t for treatment that lasts more than a few hours.

What are the disadvantages?

Butterfly needles are great for comfort and precision, but they have some limitations. Some of the main ones include:

• Slower flow: Because the needle and tubing tend to be thin, blood and fluids may flow more slowly. It’s not ideal when you need to deliver lots of fluids or medication quickly.
• Can’t be used long-term: There’s a risk of damage if you leave the needle in too long. It can collapse or irritate the vein.
• Cost: Butterfly needles tend to be slightly more expensive than straight needles.

What is the difference between a butterfly needle and a straight needle?

One of the biggest differences between the two types is that a straight needle doesn’t have “wings.” Straight needles tend to be better for people with easily accessible veins. They’re better for drawing large amounts of blood. Your healthcare provider will choose what needle they use based on your veins and comfort level.