Do you use filtered needles for Im injections

[ceen]

I was just wondering if anyone knows where I can find information on the use of filtered needles for IM injections.

We are just now getting filtered needles at our hospital, and I am just wondering if it is common practice to use a filtered needle for Im injections as well. If so, I would like to be able to present information as to its need for Im injections as well as IV, so if anyone knows off hand where I could find this info I would appreciate it.

Thanks

[GardenDove]

Ours are pretty darned big and scary looking, I can't imagine using it for an IM, the pt would freak.

[Mommy TeleRN, RN]

I thought filtered needles were only to draw meds out of an ampule and then you replace with a regular needle? I've only used one once but they don't have beveled ends do they? Hmm I'll have to look at one at work tonight.

[truern]

Filtered needles are used to draw up meds from a glass ampule, then replaced with a standard needle. Wouldn't make much sense to filter out glass and then inject it into the patient??

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

ask the experts: 18(4) filter needles and glass ampules

[PANurseRN1]

Yeeeoweee!!!

[AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Um I am not sure I understand your question. You use the filtered needle to draw up the med from a glass ampule, but you must change it to a regular needle before using it on a patient, otherwise that would defeat the whole purpose.

Swtooth

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Yep - that's the way I do it too: draw up from the glass ampule with a filter needle, change the needle and inject.

BTW our filter needles are big old things too - would be scared to give it IM! Yikes.

[grace90, LPN, LVN]

In nursing school I jabbed myself in the middle finger with a filter needle, and it immediately swelled up into a nice-sized hematoma and it hurt like a SOB. It was our first skills session at the very beginning of nursing school, and I burst into tears cuz I thought for sure it was a sign that I wasn't gonna make it through school. I still shake a little when I have to use a filter needle to draw meds out of an ampule.

[TazziRN, RN]

Filter needles are not meant to be used on patients. If you look at them closely they're little harpoons....the end is not pointed like an inj needle but actually looks like a little knife or scalpel blade.

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

Better not be anyone come at me to give me a shot with a filter needle. The ONLY thing we use them for are drawing from ampules, then the filter needle is discarded and we use a regular needle to inject.

LOL i guess theyd be ok if you were wanting a biopsy!!!

[MiteMsispe]

It is a smart practice to draw up ampule meds using a filter needle. I always change the draw-up/ barbed needle for a new sharp needle, but I am not so sure just how many nurses make this a common practice. I would not want a barbed needle tearing my flesh. Tim