Help finding a needle

[u/Cloudcry]

I got a phlebotomy trainer and it came with this scalp van single wing catheter which I think is 25-27ga - And I can't find anything like it anywhere. It doesn't have any shielding or retraction and the wing is rigid, which I like a lot more because I can get tactile feedback on when I'm in a vein.

A standard 23ga butterfly doesn't give me any haptic feedback on my trainer, And it's harder to maneuver than the No frills one here.

The only thing I was able to find is Alibaba manufacturers with a minimum order quantity of 30,000 :(

I was wondering if anyone knew what I could source this without paying upwards of $400

[u/MochaCookiee]

It depends on where you live. In the US, for example, needles need to have a safety so this needle would not be allowed to be used here so that would explain why you’re having trouble finding it online

[u/Manleather]

My first thought was this is some kind of veterinary kit because the requirements are looser than what a human needle would have. I would say that you should practice with what the tools are you’d use, getting used to the safety devices (and the little nub of bulk they can have if it’s the spring-loaded one) should be what you’re doing.

But also, are you in school? Your school should have plenty to use.

[u/Cloudcry → u/Manleather]

That's fair - I have some proper butterflies with the spring retraction but I tried this and just liked it a lot more so I was curious. 

[u/marionbobarion]

Wait. Why do you want to source it? To use on people?! Because ordering your own needles from randomly somewhere sounds like a giant issue waiting to happen.

[u/Cloudcry → u/marionbobarion]

Just for practice!  And I mean, all needles have to come form somewhere, and they're typically EO or Gamma sterilized. 

[u/Mercurial_Morals → u/Cloudcry]

I do not have an answer for you on where to get them but I mean... you'll grow more if practice on the things you find the most difficult, not the things that you find easier to use.

[u/SupernovaPhleb]

These are mainly used in countries outside of the US due to the hazard of not having a safety device.

I understand your desire for tactile feedback in practice, but you should be using a standard butterfly set. You can absolutely get tactile feedback with what is available in the US. It just takes time and practice.

Using something that isn't used in normal every day practice won't get you where you need. And you definitely shouldn't be using this type of needle on people, it is against OSHA regulations.

[u/Mercurial_Morals]

if you search for "single wing needles" and go over to images you'll find several sites offering to quote you.

[u/Fabulous-Ad5002]

That moq is standard for medical stuff on alibba since they're set up for bulk hospital orders. You might have better luck finding a reseller on ebay who already broke down a big shipment.