BD PrecisionGlide Hypodermic Needle 100/bx 25g x 5/8" single

Why 25G × 5/8" with PrecisionGlide Technology for Comfortable, Efficient Injections

The 25-gauge needle (0.5mm outer diameter) strikes an optimal balance between patient comfort and medication flow rate—fine enough to minimize injection pain yet large enough to accommodate most non-viscous medications without excessive injection force or slow delivery. The 5/8-inch (16mm) length is versatile for both subcutaneous injections in average-sized adults and shallow intramuscular injections in appropriate anatomical sites, making this size one of the most commonly used in clinical practice. BD's PrecisionGlide technology features a precision-machined, triple-sharpened bevel that reduces penetration force by up to 23% compared to standard bevels, resulting in smoother skin entry and less tissue trauma. Thin-wall construction increases the inner diameter relative to outer diameter, improving medication flow rates without increasing needle gauge—particularly beneficial for viscous medications or rapid administration needs. These needles are compatible with both Luer Lock (threaded) and Luer Slip (push-on) syringes, providing flexibility across different clinical applications and syringe types.

Key Features & Benefits

Key Features:

• 25-gauge (25G) needle with 0.5mm outer diameter for balanced comfort
• 5/8-inch (16mm) length suitable for subcutaneous and shallow IM injections
• PrecisionGlide™ triple-sharpened bevel for reduced penetration force
• Thin-wall technology increases inner diameter for improved flow
• Regular bevel orientation (standard angle) for general-purpose use
• Stainless steel cannula for strength and sharpness retention
• Transparent or color-coded hub (blue for 25G per ISO standards)
• Compatible with both Luer Lock and Luer Slip syringes
• Latex-free construction for allergy safety
• Sterile, individually packaged in peel-open blister packs
• Rigid needle shield protects sterility and prevents needlestick injuries before use
• Manufactured to meet ISO 7864 and ISO 9626 international standards
• Single-use, disposable design
• Box of 100 needles for clinical inventory management

Benefits:

• Reduces injection pain with ultra-sharp PrecisionGlide bevel
• Smooth penetration minimizes tissue trauma and bruising
• Appropriate gauge and length for most routine subcutaneous medications
• Thin-wall design allows faster medication delivery without increasing gauge
• Universal compatibility with standard syringes (Lock or Slip)
• Color-coded hub enables quick gauge identification
• Latex-free design protects sensitive patients and healthcare workers
• Sterile packaging ensures infection control compliance
• Rigid shield prevents accidental needlesticks during handling
• Consistent BD quality reduces needle-related complications
• Cost-effective bulk packaging for medical facilities
• Single-use design prevents cross-contamination

Clinical Applications

BD PrecisionGlide 25G × 5/8" needles are appropriate for:

✓ Subcutaneous medication administration (vaccines, insulin, biologics) ✓ Subcutaneous injections in average-sized adults and adolescents ✓ Shallow intramuscular injections in deltoid muscle (lean patients) ✓ Pediatric vaccinations (depending on age, weight, muscle mass) ✓ Insulin administration for diabetes management ✓ Heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) injections ✓ Immunoglobulin subcutaneous injections ✓ Allergy immunotherapy (subcutaneous allergen injections) ✓ Hormone therapy injections (testosterone, estrogen, others) ✓ Biologic medications administered subcutaneously ✓ TB (tuberculin) skin testing when 26G-27G unavailable ✓ Vitamin B12 injections (subcutaneous or shallow IM) ✓ Epinephrine administration (depending on formulation) ✓ Fertility medication injections ✓ Blood sample collection from IV lines or catheters ✓ Medication preparation and reconstitution (drawing from vials) ✓ Vaccine administration (influenza, pneumococcal, others) ✓ Local anesthetic administration for minor procedures

Usage & Application

Pre-Use Preparation:

1. Verify medication order: Confirm medication name, dose, route, patient identity, and check for allergies. Perform "5 Rights" verification (right patient, medication, dose, route, time).
2. Select appropriate syringe: Choose syringe size based on medication volume. Verify syringe tip type (Luer Lock or Luer Slip)—this needle is compatible with both.
3. Gather supplies: BD PrecisionGlide 25G × 5/8" needle (sterile package), appropriate syringe, medication, alcohol swabs, gloves, gauze, adhesive bandage, sharps container.
4. Hand hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Don clean gloves per facility protocol.
5. Inspect needle package: Check sterile package for tears, punctures, or moisture. Verify expiration date. Discard if package integrity compromised.

Opening Sterile Package:

1. Peel-open technique: Grasp both sides of blister pack at designated opening area. Pull apart gently to expose sterile needle.
2. Aseptic handling: Touch only the hub (colored plastic base)—never touch the needle shaft or tip.
3. Remove from package: Carefully lift needle by hub, maintaining sterility of shaft and tip.

Attaching Needle to Syringe:

For Luer Lock Syringes (threaded tip):

1. Remove protective cap from syringe tip if present
2. Align needle hub threads with syringe Luer Lock threads
3. Rotate needle clockwise (turn right) while pushing gently until firmly seated
4. Continue twisting until you feel resistance—typically 1/4 to 1/2 turn
5. Verify secure connection by gently tugging on needle (should not separate)

For Luer Slip Syringes (smooth tapered tip):

1. Remove protective cap from syringe tip if present
2. Align needle hub with syringe tip
3. Push needle hub straight onto syringe tip with firm, steady pressure
4. Push until hub is fully seated against syringe barrel
5. Verify secure connection by gently tugging on needle (should not separate)

Drawing Medication (with Needle Shield Still On):

1. Keep shield on initially: Leave rigid needle shield in place while preparing to draw medication.
2. Prepare vial: Wipe rubber stopper of medication vial with alcohol swab in circular motion. Allow to air dry (15-30 seconds).
3. Draw air into syringe: Pull plunger back to draw air equal to medication volume needed (equalizes vial pressure).
4. Remove needle shield: Remove rigid shield by pulling straight off. Set aside carefully or discard immediately.
5. Insert needle into vial: Hold vial upright on flat surface. Insert needle straight through center of rubber stopper with firm, controlled pressure.
6. Inject air: Push plunger down to inject air into vial (into airspace above liquid).
7. Invert vial: While keeping needle inserted, invert vial so it's upside down. Keep needle tip submerged in medication.
8. Withdraw medication: Pull plunger back slowly to draw medication. Draw slightly past target volume initially.
9. Remove air bubbles: Tap syringe barrel to move bubbles to needle end. Push plunger to expel air back into vial. Adjust to exact dose.
10. Remove needle from vial: Pull needle straight out of stopper. Keep needle pointing up to prevent medication loss.

Preparing for Injection:

1. Final air removal: Hold syringe vertically (needle up). Tap gently to move remaining bubbles to top. Push plunger slowly until small medication droplet appears at needle tip.
2. Verify dose: Confirm medication level aligns exactly with prescribed dose marking at eye level.
3. Do not recap: Proceed directly to injection. Never recap used needles—this causes needlestick injuries.

Subcutaneous Injection Technique:

1. Select injection site:
   • Abdomen: Most common site; 2 inches away from navel, avoid waistline
   • Thigh: Front and outer aspects, middle third
   • Upper arm: Back of upper arm (triceps area)
   • Buttocks: Upper outer quadrant (less common for SubQ)
2. Site rotation: Rotate sites systematically to prevent lipodystrophy. Keep log of injection sites if multiple daily injections required.
3. Clean site: Wipe with alcohol swab in circular motion, center outward. Allow to air dry completely (prevents stinging).
4. Pinch skin (if needed):
   • For average-sized adults: May not need to pinch when using 5/8" needle
   • For lean patients or children: Gently pinch to lift subcutaneous tissue away from muscle
   • For obese patients: Usually no pinch needed (adequate subcutaneous layer)
5. Insert needle: Hold syringe like a dart. Insert at 45-90 degree angle (depending on patient size and pinch technique) with quick, smooth motion. 5/8" needle typically inserted fully.
6. Inject medication: Push plunger slowly and steadily (typically 1-3 seconds per 0.5 mL). Slow injection reduces discomfort.
7. Count to 5: After plunger fully depressed, count slowly to 5 before withdrawing needle. Prevents medication leakage.
8. Withdraw needle: Pull straight out at same angle of insertion. Release pinched skin (if applicable).
9. Apply pressure: Apply gentle pressure with gauze (do not rub). Apply adhesive bandage if needed.

Shallow Intramuscular Injection (Deltoid, Lean Patients Only):

Note: 5/8" needle length is only appropriate for shallow IM injections in lean adult patients with minimal subcutaneous tissue at the deltoid site. For standard adult IM injections, use 1" to 1.5" needles.

1. Select deltoid site: Locate acromion process (bony prominence at shoulder). Injection site is 2-3 finger widths below acromion in thickest part of deltoid muscle.
2. Clean site: Wipe with alcohol swab, allow to dry completely.
3. Stretch skin taut: Use non-dominant hand to stretch skin flat over injection site (do not pinch for IM).
4. Insert needle: Hold syringe like a dart. Insert at 90-degree angle with quick, smooth motion. Insert fully to ensure medication reaches muscle.
5. Aspiration (per protocol): Some medications/facilities require aspiration (pull plunger back slightly to check for blood). If blood appears, withdraw and prepare new injection with fresh medication. Many current guidelines no longer recommend aspiration for vaccines.
6. Inject medication: Push plunger smoothly and steadily. IM injections can be delivered more quickly than SubQ (1-2 seconds).
7. Withdraw needle: Pull straight out quickly at 90-degree angle.
8. Apply pressure: Apply pressure with gauze (do not rub). Apply adhesive bandage.

Post-Injection Care:

1. Do not recap: Never recap used needles—this is the leading cause of needlestick injuries.
2. Activate safety device (if applicable): Some BD needles have safety shields. If present, activate immediately per manufacturer instructions.
3. Immediate disposal: Dispose of entire needle-syringe assembly immediately into FDA-approved sharps container. Do not separate needle from syringe before disposal.
4. Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene: Remove gloves and wash hands thoroughly.
5. Document administration: Record medication, dose, route, site, date, time, and any patient reaction in medical record.
6. Monitor patient: Observe for adverse reactions appropriate to medication given (especially vaccines, first doses, high-alert medications).

Needle Selection Guidelines:

When 25G × 5/8" is appropriate:

• Subcutaneous injections in average-sized adults and adolescents
• Most vaccines given subcutaneously (MMR, varicella, others)
• Insulin, heparin, LMWH, biologics
• Non-viscous medications under 2 mL volume
• Shallow IM injections in very lean adults (deltoid only)

When to use different needle:

Smaller gauge (26G-27G):

• Intradermal injections (TB testing, allergy testing)
• Very pain-sensitive patients
• Pediatric subcutaneous injections

Larger gauge (22G-23G):

• Viscous medications (thick suspensions, oil-based)
• Blood draws requiring faster flow
• Medications requiring rapid administration

Shorter length (3/8" to 1/2"):

• Pediatric subcutaneous injections
• Very lean patients with minimal subcutaneous fat
• Intradermal injections

Longer length (1" to 1.5"):

• Standard intramuscular injections in adults
• Deltoid injections in average-sized adults
• Vastus lateralis injections
• Ventrogluteal injections
• Obese patients requiring IM medication

Troubleshooting:

Needle won't attach to syringe:

• Verify needle hub type matches syringe tip type (Luer Lock needs threaded tip; Luer Slip needs smooth tip)
• For Luer Lock: Ensure you're twisting clockwise (right to tighten)
• Check for damaged threads on syringe or needle hub
• Don't force—if it doesn't align easily, verify compatibility

Needle detaches during medication draw:

• For Luer Slip connections: Push hub more firmly onto syringe tip
• For Luer Lock: Ensure needle was twisted fully until resistance felt
• Check that you selected correct connection type for your syringe
• Replace with new needle if hub appears damaged

Difficult to penetrate skin:

• Ensure needle is sharp (brand new, unopened package)
• Insert with quick, dart-like motion rather than slow push
• Verify you haven't touched needle to any surface (dulls tip)
• If skin is very tough, try different site or verify needle isn't defective

Medication won't flow through needle:

• 25G should handle most non-viscous medications adequately
• For very thick medications: Consider larger gauge (22G-23G)
• Check that needle isn't clogged (particularly with suspensions)
• Ensure needle tip is fully inserted into vial or patient
• Verify plunger moves freely in syringe barrel

Pain during insertion:

• Ensure alcohol has dried completely (wet alcohol stings)
• Insert quickly rather than slowly (reduces discomfort)
• Use fresh injection site (rotate properly)
• Verify needle is sharp and hasn't been dulled by touching surfaces
• Consider shorter needle for very lean patients

Medication leakage after injection:

• Count to 5-10 before withdrawing needle (allows tissue to close)
• Inject more slowly to allow tissue to accommodate medication
• Use Z-track technique for medications prone to leakage (pull skin taut to side before insertion, release after withdrawal)
• Consider slightly longer needle if consistent leakage occurs

Bleeding at injection site:

• Small amount of bleeding is normal and harmless
• Apply gentle pressure with gauze
• Avoid areas with visible veins
• Patients on blood thinners may bleed more (apply pressure longer)
• If bleeding is excessive or frequent, evaluate injection technique

Bruising after injection:

• Rotate sites more frequently
• Insert at proper angle (90° for IM, 45-90° for SubQ)
• Don't massage injection site
• Apply ice before injection to constrict blood vessels (if appropriate)
• Patients on anticoagulants bruise more easily (generally harmless)

Bent needle:

• Never use bent needles—discard immediately
• Needles bend from hitting bone (use appropriate length), forceful insertion against resistance, or contact with hard surfaces
• Replace with new needle before injection
• If needle bends during injection, withdraw immediately, apply pressure, and prepare new injection

Special Considerations:

Pediatric patients:

• 25G × 5/8" appropriate for subcutaneous injections in most children over 12 months
• For infants and very small children, consider shorter needles (1/2" or less)
• For pediatric IM injections, assess muscle mass carefully—may need 1" needle for adequate muscle penetration
• Use distraction techniques to reduce anxiety and movement
• Have assistant help restrain young children safely

Geriatric patients:

• May have decreased muscle mass—assess carefully for IM injections
• Skin may be thinner and more fragile—be gentle
• May bruise more easily due to medications or age-related changes
• Provide clear instructions if patient performs self-injections
• Consider visual aids or prefilled syringes if dexterity or vision impaired

Obese patients:

• 5/8" needle is generally adequate for subcutaneous injections (abundant fat layer)
• For IM injections, obese patients typically need longer needles (1.5" or more) to reach muscle through thicker subcutaneous layer
• Do not pinch skin for subcutaneous injections in obese patients

Patients with bleeding disorders or on anticoagulants:

• Apply pressure longer after injection (2-5 minutes)
• Avoid massage of injection site
• Monitor closely for hematoma formation
• Smaller gauge needles (25G-27G) may reduce bleeding risk
• Subcutaneous route often preferred over IM in anticoagulated patients

Patients with needle anxiety:

• Use smallest appropriate gauge (25G is relatively fine)
• Distraction techniques during injection
• Topical anesthetic creams if appropriate (apply 30-60 minutes before)
• Quick insertion reduces discomfort
• Reassurance and clear explanation of procedure
• Consider referral to psychology if anxiety is severe

Self-administration:

• Provide detailed instruction on technique
• Demonstrate proper disposal into sharps container
• Educate on site rotation to prevent lipodystrophy
• Review signs of infection and when to seek help
• Ensure patient has adequate sharps disposal container
• Schedule follow-up to assess technique and address concerns

Immunocompromised patients:

• Strict aseptic technique is critical
• Clean injection sites thoroughly
• Monitor injection sites closely for infection signs
• Educate patient on infection symptoms (redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, fever)
• Ensure proper hand hygiene before and after injections

Latex-sensitive patients:

• BD PrecisionGlide needles are latex-free
• Verify syringe is also latex-free
• Check medication vial stoppers (some contain latex)
• Document latex allergy prominently in medical record

Medication-Specific Considerations:

Insulin:

• 25G × 5/8" appropriate for most adult insulin injections
• Rotate sites systematically (use rotation log or app)
• Subcutaneous route only (never IM for insulin)
• Room temperature insulin is more comfortable than cold

Vaccines:

• For subcutaneous vaccines (MMR, varicella): 25G × 5/8" is appropriate
• For IM vaccines in adults: Use 1" to 1.5" needles instead
• Do not aspirate for vaccines (per current CDC guidelines)
• Document vaccine lot number, expiration, manufacturer, site

Heparin/LMWH:

• Inject into abdomen (best absorption)
• Do not aspirate
• Do not massage site after injection (affects absorption)
• Rotate sites to prevent hematoma formation
• Small bruising is common and expected

Biologics (monoclonal antibodies, immunosuppressants):

• Bring to room temperature before injection (30 minutes)
• Inject slowly (medication may be viscous)
• Monitor for injection site reactions (common with biologics)
• Rotate sites with each injection

Epinephrine (emergency use):

• For anaphylaxis: Anterolateral thigh is preferred site
• 5/8" needle may be adequate for lean patients but 1" preferred for reliability
• Inject through clothing if necessary in emergency
• Massage site after injection to enhance absorption (unlike most other medications)

Storage and Handling:

• Store in cool, dry location away from direct sunlight
• Maintain temperature between 15-30°C (59-86°F)
• Protect from excessive humidity and moisture
• Keep in original packaging until use
• Do not store in extreme temperatures (prevents material degradation)
• Inspect packages before use—discard if damaged, wet, or expired
• Do not use needles past expiration date (sterility cannot be guaranteed)

Disposal Requirements:

• Dispose of needle-syringe assembly immediately into FDA-cleared sharps container
• Never separate needle from syringe before disposal (increases injury risk)
• Never recap used needles using two hands
• If recapping absolutely necessary, use one-handed scoop technique only
• Do not place used needles in regular trash, recycling, or laundry
• When sharps container is 3/4 full, seal and dispose per local regulations
• Many pharmacies, hospitals, and health departments offer sharps disposal programs
• Check local regulations for home disposal requirements

Infection Control:

• Always use strict aseptic technique
• Never reuse needles—single-use only
• Never use same needle for multiple patients (even with new syringe)
• Discard needles from damaged packages (sterility compromised)
• Clean injection sites with alcohol before each injection
• Discard any needle that touches non-sterile surface
• Use new sterile needle for each injection

Safety Considerations:

Needlestick prevention:

• Never recap needles using two hands (leading cause of needlestick injuries)
• If recapping absolutely necessary, use one-handed scoop method only
• Dispose of sharps immediately after use—never set down used needles
• Don't pass used needles hand-to-hand
• Use safety-engineered needles when available
• Report all needlestick injuries immediately per facility protocol

Blood-borne pathogen exposure:

• If needlestick occurs, wash site immediately with soap and water
• Report to occupational health or emergency department immediately
• May require post-exposure prophylaxis depending on source patient status
• Document incident per facility protocol
• Follow up with employee health as directed

Medication errors prevention:

• Verify "5 Rights" before every injection
• Use adequate lighting when preparing medications
• Double-check high-alert medications with second clinician
• Never abbreviate "units" (write out "units" not "U")
• Read labels three times: selecting vial, drawing medication, after drawing

When to Contact Healthcare Provider:

• Questions about appropriate needle size for specific medication
• Persistent pain, swelling, or redness at injection sites
• Signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, drainage, fever)
• Development of hard lumps at injection sites (lipodystrophy)
• Difficulty performing self-injections
• Needlestick injury or potential blood-borne pathogen exposure
• Allergic reactions after injection
• Uncertainty about proper technique

Regulatory Compliance:

• BD PrecisionGlide needles meet FDA requirements for hypodermic needles
• Manufactured in FDA-registered facilities
• Comply with ISO 7864 (sterile hypodermic needles) and ISO 9626 (needle size designation)
• Meet USP standards for sterility
• Color coding follows ISO 6009 international standards (blue hub for 25G)
• Latex-free to comply with healthcare safety requirements

Technical Specifications

Product Details:

• Manufacturer: BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company)
• Product Line: PrecisionGlide™
• Needle Gauge: 25G (0.5mm outer diameter)
• Needle Length: 5/8 inch (16mm)
• Bevel Type: Regular bevel, triple-sharpened (PrecisionGlide technology)
• Wall Type: Thin-wall construction for improved flow
• Cannula Material: Surgical-grade stainless steel
• Hub Color: Blue (per ISO 6009 color coding standard for 25G)
• Hub Material: Medical-grade polypropylene or similar polymer
• Connection Type: Universal hub compatible with both Luer Lock (threaded) and Luer Slip (push-on) syringes
• Sterility: Sterile, individually packaged in rigid blister packs
• Sterilization Method: Ethylene oxide (EtO) or gamma radiation
• Latex Content: Latex-free (no natural rubber latex)
• DEHP-Free: Typically yes (check specific product specifications)
• Needle Shield: Rigid shield for sterility protection and needlestick prevention
• Expiration: Typically 5 years from manufacture date (check individual packages)
• Packaging: Box of 100 individually wrapped sterile needles
• Intended Use: Medication administration, vaccine delivery, blood sampling, medication preparation
• Route: Subcutaneous, shallow intramuscular (lean patients only)
• Patient Population: Adults, adolescents, children (with appropriate assessment)
• Regulatory Status: FDA-cleared medical device, Class II
• Standards Compliance: ISO 7864 (sterile hypodermic single-use needles), ISO 9626 (stainless steel needle tubing), ISO 6009 (needle color coding)
• Country of Origin: Varies by lot (typically USA, Ireland, or other BD facilities—check package labeling)