Frequently Asked Questions
What is a filter needle?
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A filter needle is a medical needle that includes a built-in filter, typically made from stainless steel or a microporous membrane, designed to trap and remove particles from a solution during aspiration.
What are filter needles used for?
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Filter needles are commonly used when drawing medication from glass ampoules to prevent glass shards or contaminants from being injected. They’re also used in compounding or preparing sterile medications.
What does a filter needle look like?
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Filter needles look similar to standard medical needles but include a filter element in the hub. They often have blunt tips and are clearly labelled or colour-coded to distinguish them from regular injection needles.
Do you have to use a filter needle with an ampule?
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While not always mandatory, using a filter needle when drawing medication from a glass ampule is strongly recommended to prevent glass particles from entering the syringe and being administered.
What size filter needle is used for an ampule?
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A common filter needle size for ampules is 18G to 22G, with a 5-micron filter. The larger gauge allows for easier withdrawal of viscous liquids while effectively filtering out contaminants.
What is the difference between a filter needle and a normal needle?
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The key difference is that a filter needle contains an internal filter that traps particles during medication preparation. A standard medical needle does not offer this protection and is typically used only for injection, not for aspiration from glass ampoules.