Straight Needle vs Butterfly Needles: What’s the Difference?
Since even healthy patients should get bloodwork annually, finding a physician who knows what they’re doing should be a top priority. Understanding the types of needles needed for a blood draw is important, as is researching the role of a phlebotomist in your well-being.
Here, we’re going to discuss two common types of needles for blood draws. Read on to learn the similarities and differences between a straight needle vs butterfly needle.
The Basics of Straight Needles
A straight needle is the most common tool that phlebotomists use when collecting blood from patients. It’s also what most people think of when they imagine a blood draw needle.
These needles get their name because they’re completely straight. The phlebotomist attaches the needle to a syringe before the patient comes in. With a single fluid movement, they can collect blood that streams evenly into the container.
Straight needles have a wide range of applications. They’re necessary for patients who have larger veins and need blood drawn. They’re also used when someone needs to insert an IV into a patient’s arm since they have a sturdy insertion that can remain still for a long time.
They’re also ideal for most epidurals. This is because the needle needs to remain in the arm of the patient for a long time, particularly in difficult situations like giving birth. Straight needles have a firmer connection to the vein that won’t come undone even when the patient moves around.
The Benefits of Straight Needle Uses
Straight needles are so commonly used because they offer high-quality samples. You’ll get the precise quantity of blood you need. It also flows directly into a container, which reduces the chances of it being exposed to too much oxygen or other external elements.
In addition to faster blood collection, straight needle use can save patients a lot of money. While a butterfly needle costs $1 when a phlebotomist purchases it, straight needles are only around 25¢. Combine this with the short draw times of a straight needle, and the patient will have a very inexpensive blood draw.
Butterfly Needles: What You Should Know
Butterfly needles get their name because of their structure. They have a set of plastic wings on either side of the needle that the phlebotomist can hold onto while inserting it. Because of this, a butterfly needle is also called a “winged infusion” method of blood collection.
They’re attached to a tube that joins both a connector and a syringe. This is more roundabout than the process of preparing a straight needle, but it’s also more versatile. There are a ton of gauge sizes out there for phlebotomists to use with butterfly needles, so they can cater to blood draws for people of all ages.
One of the main applications for a butterfly needle is during pediatric blood draws. Babies and young children can use a smaller gauge size for easier blood draws.
Elderly patients can also expect benefits from butterfly needles because of their smaller and more fragile veins. Butterfly needles are smaller and more comfortable to insert. Those with more superficial veins or who are liable to bruising and injury can enjoy this comfort.
The Advantages of Butterfly Needles
Butterfly needles are great for children and elderly people. However, they’re also great for people of all ages who have fears of needles.
A quarter of American adults fall into this category, and this fear can lead to fainting. Basically, butterfly needles have a lot of applications!
Another huge benefit that butterfly needles offer is a lower risk of injury. While straight needles are safe for most people, some vulnerable individuals may suffer vein collapse or injuries to nerves. Butterfly needles take away a lot of this risk so that patients can have peace of mind.
They’re also just more comfortable for patients, which is a huge plus. Many people find this comfort to be worth paying a bit extra for using a needle that suits their needs.
Choosing Between Straight Needle vs Butterfly Needle Options
If you need to take multiple samples within one sitting, you’ll need to use a straight needle. This is because they allow for faster blood collection. You won’t be waiting for your blood draw to conclude for too long since a straight needle can get what you need within minutes.
Straight needles are also essential for those who have thrombophilia or other disorders that cause quick blood clotting. This is because the shape of a straight needle and the way that it draws blood reduce the risk of clotting. There’s also a significantly lower risk of needlestick incidents that can cause injury.
However, some people require butterfly needles for a successful blood draw. If the patient has thin or hard-to-access veins, a butterfly needle can reach just about anywhere. Wrist and hand veins are tough to get into with a straight needle, and butterfly alternatives make this easy.
If you have anemia or a bleeding disorder that prevents healthy blood clotting, you’ll also need a butterfly needle for your next draw. This is because they offer a much lower risk of excessive bleeding than straight needles.
Most patients won’t immediately know what types of needles they need for a blood draw or IV. Doing online research and understanding needle uses can help you feel better. However, a professional is necessary when you’re actually making a decision because experts have a thorough understanding of what you need.
Ask your phlebotomist any questions you want answers to before your remote or on-site visit!
Schedule Your Next Blood Draw ASAP
Now that you know the differences between a straight needle vs butterfly needle, it’s time to get more information about your next blood draw. Precision Labs offers both remote and on-site blood testing for patients so that we can assist you regardless of time constraints or mobility needs.
Our aim is to remain flexible and assist clients with a wide range of convenient blood draw options. Reach out to our experts to learn more about our services and how we can help you.