The Ultimate Guide to Butterfly Needles: Everything You Need to Know

Written By Jessica Turner, BS, CPT

Summary

  • Butterfly needles are used for drawing blood from superficial veins or administering medications and IV fluids, known for their flexibility during angled insertion, accuracy, and less pain for patients compared to straight needles.
  • Butterfly needles come in different gauge sizes ranging from 18 to 27, with lower gauge sizes being better for accurate blood draws and higher gauge sizes being less painful and suitable for small veins or pediatric patients.
  • Butterfly needles are often used for blood tests, IV infusions, and administering medications like insulin, with lower gauge needles being faster for blood collection and higher gauge needles causing less pain during insertion.

    • Butterfly Needle vs. Straight Needle

    A butterfly needle allows for greater flexibility during angled insertion, accurate placement, and is less painful for patients compared to a straight needle. It is suitable for Venipuncture in thin or fragile veins, making it ideal for infants, older adults, or patients afraid of needles. However, straight needles are preferred for multiple blood samples or IV fluids.

    What Are the Different Butterfly Needle Gauge Sizes?

    Butterfly needles are available in various gauge sizes ranging from 18 to 27, with lower gauges being larger in bore diameter. Lower gauge needles are less prone to clogging, produce more accurate specimens for blood tests, and recommended for blood draws. Higher gauge needles, on the other hand, cause smaller puncture wounds, are suitable for small veins or pediatric patients, less painful, and less intimidating.

    Pros of Lower Gauge Butterflies

    1. Less prone to clogging
    2. May produce more accurate specimens
    3. Recommended for blood draws

    Cons of Lower Butterfly Needle Gauges

    1. More painful for patients
    2. May leave a larger wound
    3. Not suitable for smaller veins

    Pros of Higher Butterfly Needle Gauges

    1. Produces a smaller puncture wound
    2. Offers a solution for small veins
    3. Can be used with pediatric patients
    4. Less painful
    5. Less intimidating

    Cons of Higher Butterfly Needle Gauges

    1. May cause hemolysis
    2. Takes more time

    What Are Butterfly Needles Used For?

    Butterfly needles are commonly used for drawing blood for various laboratory tests such as complete blood count or basic metabolic panel, administering medications like pain medication or insulin, and delivering short-term IV infusions like chemotherapy medications.

    How Are Butterfly Needles Used?

    To use a butterfly needle, the technician grasps the wings between their thumb and index finger, holds the needle with the bevel facing up and point down, inserts it at a 45-degree angle, lowers it to enter the vein, and uses the wings to stabilize it. Quick stick piercing into the vein is recommended to prevent rolling or bouncing veins.

    Do Butterfly Needles Cause Hemolysis?

    Butterfly needles themselves do not cause hemolysis, but smaller higher-gauge needles increase the risk of damaging blood cells during Venipuncture. Some manufacturers have created needles with an external higher-gauge diameter but an internal lower-gauge diameter to address hemolysis.

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Jessica Turner, BS, CPT

Jessica Turner is a certified phlebotomist with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from the University of California, Los Angeles. With 6 years of experience in both hospital and private practice settings, Jessica has developed a deep understanding of phlebotomy techniques, patient interaction, and the importance of precision in blood collection.

She is passionate about educating others on the critical role phlebotomists play in the healthcare system and regularly writes content focused on blood collection best practices, troubleshooting common issues, and understanding the latest trends in phlebotomy equipment. Jessica aims to share practical insights and tips to help phlebotomists enhance their skills and improve patient care.

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