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.
Filtered needes have a blunt tip, at least all of the ones that I have seen. They are used for drawing medication out of glass ampules, the needle must be switched before giving the injection.
I should clarify my original post.... I asked the question and then with the holidays.. I am just now looking back to it.
What I am refering to is... do you use the filtered needle to draw up from a glass ampule even when using the solution from the ampule (... ie demerol) for an IM injection, or do you use a regular needle when giving the injection IM and a filtered needle when giving it IV.
Specializes in ER, ICU, Infusion, peds, informatics.
i should clarify my original post.... i asked the question and then with the holidays.. i am just now looking back to it.
what i am refering to is... do you use the filtered needle to draw up from a glass ampule even when using the solution from the ampule (... ie demerol) for an im injection, or do you use a regular needle when giving the injection im and a filtered needle when giving it iv.
hope that makes this make more sense
i doesn't matter if you are giving the meds iv or im.
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[color=#483d8b]if you are drawing out of a glass ampule, you use a filter needle.
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[color=#483d8b]then you change to the appropriate sized needle (to give im), or (for me), take the needle off and inject iv through the needleless system.
The purpose of the filter needle is to trap both macroscopic and microscopic glass shards released when a glass ampule is broken. Discarding the used filter needle (and its accompanying bits of broken glass) before administering the medication seems the most reasonable action.
We use a filter STRAW at my facility. I don't even understand the concept of a needle. The ampule is open so what is the point of the needle other than another opportunity for nurses to stick themselves.
Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.
For IM or IV push injections, we always, always use a filter needle or filter straw to draw up the medication from a glass ampule. Then, we change out the needle for IM injection (21 to 23 gauge for adult, 25 to 27 gauge for child) or take needle off for IV push (we have the luerlock system - needless for IV).
If you don't use a filter needle with glass ampules, you run the risk of injecting microscopic particles of glass into the patient.
nursekatie22, RN
195 Posts
I've never given an IM with a filter needle ever. Just use it to draw up the med and change the needle.