Hypodermic needle facts for kids
A hypodermic needle is a very thin, hollow tube, usually made of steel. It has a sharp point, which allows it to easily go into the skin. Once it is in, doctors or nurses can use it to put medicine into the body or take blood out. The word "hypodermic" comes from two old Greek words that mean "below the skin."
Contents
What is a Hypodermic Needle?
A hypodermic needle is a special tool used in medicine. It is a very thin, hollow tube, often made of stainless steel. One end is sharpened to a point, making it easy to pass through the skin. The other end connects to a device like a syringe.
How Does It Work?
When a doctor or nurse uses a hypodermic needle, they attach it to a syringe. The syringe is like a small pump. It can either push liquid medicine through the needle into your body or pull liquid, like blood, out of your body. The hollow part of the needle acts like a tiny straw.
Why Are They Used?
Hypodermic needles are very important for many medical reasons:
- Giving Medicine: They are used to give medicines quickly and directly into the body. This includes vaccines, which help protect you from diseases, and other important medications.
- Taking Blood: Doctors use them to collect blood samples. These samples help them check your health and find out what might be making you sick.
- Accuracy: They allow doctors to deliver the exact amount of medicine needed to a specific part of the body.
Safety and Cleanliness
It is very important that hypodermic needles are always clean and safe.
- Sterile: Needles are made to be sterile, meaning they are completely free of germs. They come in sealed packages and are only used once.
- One Time Use: After a needle is used, it is thrown away safely. This stops germs from spreading from one person to another.
- Trained Professionals: Only trained healthcare workers, like doctors and nurses, should use hypodermic needles. They know how to use them correctly and safely.
Images for kids
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Syringe made entirely of glass, similar to the Wood design, except it is etched with volume marks.
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A hypodermic needle tip under microscope
See also
In Spanish: Aguja hipodérmica para niños
