Hi, just wondering how many on here use a filter needle when drawing up from ampules, also , do you use glass or disposable syringes. My daughter intends to do sc injections starting in approx 2 weeks and we’re still a little confused about needles and syringes.
Do we need the same brand of needles and syringes or does one size fit all. Hope I’m making sense.
I read some posts about it being dangerous not to use a filter needles, yet others that say it’s not a problem because the needles are so fine.
Think I need help please.
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weaverdee
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Basic plastic 2ml disposable syringes and needles no bigger diameter than 23G for injecting.
The NHS recommends no finer needles than 23G in case you bend one. I can't recommend them but I use 26G needles carefully and find them much more comfortable, even if they are considered to be unsafe. Your insulin needles are 30G and that's considered OK: maybe diabetics (and dentists, who also use very fine needles, thank goodness, and nurse doing jabs with pre-loaded preparations like anticoagulants, etc) are more careful than people with B12 who might have neuropathy or the shakes? 😜
The higher the G (gauge) the finer the needle.
I inject IM (coz it's so easy) so I use 1" needles but if you are used to doing SC then go for that and you'll know how long you need them to be.
Because the B12 is water based you can use a fine needle for drawing up as well as for injecting so I don't bother to buy two sorts.
But DO change needles between drawing up and injecting in case you have touched the tip of the needle on the ampoule when drawing up - it is very easy to do and makes it scratchy when you try to insert it: not dangerous but not pleasant!
No, you definitely don't need filter needles - if (extremely unlikely) you did get some glass in you, your body would just store it or eject it, like it would fine shrapnel or bits of glass, etc, from a car accident for instance.
Well done for being sensible and questioning the scaremongering!
Thats interesting I've never heard of filter needles.
I use 30G 1/2 "to inject as I choose to do subcutaneous injections at home.
Most do IM as deniseinmilden describes.
Definitely use a different needle to withdraw b12. I've never not touched the inside of the ampoule yet!
I use an ampoule snapper now . For some reason I found that the hardest part when I started recently to self inject was to snap the top of the ampoule off. I cut myself once as it wasnt a clean break as it needed more strength than I thought .Thee Rotexmedica have a white line on that facing you and you snap back.
The sharps box I bought from the local pharmacy for £1.70 has a phone number on you ring when full and they collect it. Some chemists do take them.
Thanks very much for that. We will be doing subcutaneous injections too using either a 8mm or 4mm needle, would you mind telling me what size you use for the main injection and weather or not you pinch first please.
I use 30G 1/2" you can use 27G -30G ti inject the b12.
I squeeze a roll if putting in my stomach. I initially did on my thigh. I just hold it now I'm new to it as well. Thete are diagrams showing parts of the body suitable if tih Google.
I have never needed to use any other than the injection needle.
I use subcutaneous injections in the abdomen fat layer because this has been shown to be a slower release method - which is potentially beneficial.
Since the needle required should be 1/2ins for this type of injection I am able to safely use gauge 29 or 30 (much thinner and absolutely pain free during insertion and withdrawal). Slight sting during first 0.1ml of injection but painfree if you take your time - I inject 0.1 ml portions at about 2-3 sec intervals.
This length of needle cannot reach the bottom of the opened phial so there is no risk if touching the bottom of the phial and blunting it.
The tip is diagonally shaped so I ensure the open side is away from the side of the phial to speed up filling of the syringe.
I am diabetic myself and do sc injections using a 4 mm needle these days and was told there was no need to pinch a fold of skin using these as they are so short and therefore will go into the fat ty tissue. I have had no problems with my insulin with these needles and wondering if you think they would be suitable in the same way for vitamin B injections.
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SI (needles)
What needles / syringes 
Needles for self injecting
