?:definition
|
-
Instruments designed to inject, infuse, or withdraw fluids, usually through a fixed or attached needle. Most syringes consist of a hollow, transparent cylinder (barrel) ended in a tip and a plunger (i.e., plunger syringes); other syringes deliver the fluids from a prefilled, changeable cartridge that is inserted into the barrel (i.e., cartridge syringes). Syringes consisting of either a barrel and a plastic or rubber bulb attached to one end (bulb/barrel syringes) or a rubber or plastic bulb ended in a tapped prolongation (bulb syringes) are also used for some applications. Syringes are usually manufactured from transparent plastic materials (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene) or glass, but some are metallic or include metal parts. Syringes are frequently used for subcutaneous (i.e., hypodermic), intramuscular, or intravenous (either directly or through catheters) injection; irrigation of cavities or wounds; and aspiration/withdrawal of blood or other body fluids. Some syringes are specially designed for clinical laboratory applications, including general laboratory use and chromatography tests.
|