What is a 23-gauge needle use for?

Answer 1

18 gauge needles can be used for any piercing as long as you ask for it. Most standard piercings are pierced at either 14 or 16 gauge. Personally, I asked for my septum to be pierced at an 18 gauge so the jewelry wasn't as bulky and was easier to hide. Just keep in mind that if you get anything pierced with an 18 gauge needle, you need 18 gauge jewelry. Trying to shove standard size jewelry into it (especially if it isn't fully healed) could cause irritation, infection, or rejection.

Answer 2

As a registered nurse, I have never come across a medication that would need to be given IM with an 18-gauge needle. Ouch! We use 22-gauge needles for IM injections.

Although I agree that there are few instances where an 18-guage needle is necessary and "ouch" comes to mind to me as well, there are some injections where the serum is more viscous and a 22-guage needle is not recommended. One example is injectable Haldol. Due to the fact that refrigeration is required and this is a very viscous, almost syrupy injectable, a 22-guage can only be used if the medication is taken out of refrigeration prior to the patient's arrival and the injection goes more slowly than if an 18-guage needle is used.

This is only one example, but there are different gauge needles for a reason and one should be familiar of the intended use of all gauges prior to making a blanket statement such as this one.

I am sure that no thicker than a 20-gauge needle can be used effectively with a decanoate just like Haldol or Prolixin. I probably would use the 18 to withdraw the med from the vial, then switch to 20, and then administer.

Answer 3

I use an 18g needle when I am providing professional piercing services to clients who request specific piercings where an 18g needle is needed.