Needle Gauge: Understanding the Size for Medical Use

What does the term "bore size" refer to when it comes to medical needles?

The size of the hole in the needle's center

Answer:

The term "bore size" in the context of medical needles refers to the diameter of the needle's inner channel.

When discussing medical needles, the term "bore size" is crucial in understanding the diameter of the internal channel of the needle. This measurement is important as it determines the flow rate of liquids through the needle and also impacts the level of comfort for the patient during procedures.

The bore size is typically denoted by the gauge number, where a higher gauge number indicates a smaller diameter for the needle's channel. This might seem counterintuitive, as we are accustomed to smaller numbers representing smaller sizes. However, in the case of needle gauges, the inverse relationship holds true.

For example, a 25 gauge needle will have a smaller bore size compared to a 16 gauge needle. Therefore, healthcare professionals must consider the bore size when selecting the appropriate needle for specific medical procedures to ensure optimal performance and patient comfort.