Syringes are measured by the volume they can hold, which is indicated by markings on the syringe barrel. The markings and their increment values depend on the syringe's capacity and its intended use.
Understanding Syringe Measurement
- Capacity: The total volume a syringe can hold is its capacity, often measured in milliliters (mL) or cubic centimeters (cc), which are equivalent. For instance, you might have a 1 mL, 3 mL, or 5 mL syringe.
- Scale Markings: Syringes have a scale printed on their barrel, with lines marking specific volume increments. These lines help in accurately measuring the liquid drawn into the syringe.
Reading the Scale
According to the reference, different syringes may have different scale increments.
- For example, a syringe might be designed to have markings at intervals of 0.5 mL, which means each line represents an increase of 0.5 mL in volume.
- The video reference indicates that if one line is at "2" on the syringe, the next line would be at "2.5," and so on, demonstrating a 0.5 mL measurement increment.
Steps to Measure with a Syringe
- Identify the syringe's capacity: Check the syringe for its total volume, usually printed near the base of the plunger.
- Locate the scale: The scale is on the barrel of the syringe, with lines and numbers showing the volume.
- Observe the increments: As described in the reference, note what each line represents in terms of volume.
- Draw fluid to the desired level: Draw the liquid into the syringe until the plunger's rubber stopper lines up with the scale marking for the volume you wish to measure.
- Check the measurement: Double-check that the plunger stopper edge aligns with the correct measurement.
Examples
- 1 mL Syringe: A 1 mL syringe is often used for smaller measurements. Its markings might be in smaller increments to allow more precise measurement.
- 3 mL Syringe: A 3 mL syringe is common for general medical purposes. It will have markings that reflect its capacity.
- 5 mL Syringe: A larger 5 mL syringe will have markings suited to larger volume measurement, and according to the reference could have increments of 0.5mL
Types of Syringe Measurement
- General Purpose Syringes: These syringes, like the 3mL and 5mL ones, are used for various applications, with markings suitable for a range of volumes.
- Insulin Syringes: Insulin syringes use units (U) rather than mL, requiring a unique scale marked in units instead of milliliters or cubic centimeters.
