How to Open a Luer Lock Syringe

Luer Lock syringes are very different from the rip-n-go disposable injection units and slide-style syringes. Their unique "locking" tip prevents the needle from inadvertently being pulled off the syringe body. This is especially important when injecting into the human body or into intravenous units. It has become a preferred syringe style. Because a Luer Lock syringe requires more handling before it is ready to be opened, you should know the exact procedure to follow to prevent contamination.

Things You'll Need

• Sterile gloves
• Luer Lock syringe
• Luer Lock needle

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Instructions

• 1

  Put on sterile gloves. Rip open the packaging that contains the Luer Lock syringe by grabbing the top edge in the middle and pulling each half of the top edge in a different direction.

• 2

  Remove the Luer Lock needle from its protective packaging by grasping the two tabs at the top and pulling the two halves of the packaging apart.

• 3

  Screw the Luer Lock needle into the Luer Lock syringe. Insert the threaded end of the syringe into the wider end of the needle and spin the needle clockwise until it locks in place. Leur Lock needles have specially designed female ends to thread into the male end of a Leur Lock syringe. Some manufacturers add "wings" to the lock end of the needle to make them easier to handle. Use the wings to tighten the needle into place the same way you would use a wing nut to tighten the nut on a bolt.

• 4

  Pry the protective cap off the plunger at the top of the Luer Lock syringe using your fingers. Some manufacturers of Leur Lock syringes do not add an additional protective cap, in which case the plunger will be pressed fully into the syringe.

• 5

  Place the needle end into whatever fluid you're putting in the syringe. Typically, you would push the needle through the top of the vial of fluid, but be sure to follow the instructions on the fluid you will be injecting. Remember to handle the syringe only at the top at the plunger. This will to prevent your body temperature from affecting the fluid being injected.

• 6

  Open the Luer Lock syringe by pulling the plunger as far back as it will go, filling the syringe body with the fluid you are going to inject.

• 7

  Remove the disposable needle from the Luer Lock syringe after the injection by turning it counterclockwise until it can be pulled free. Dispose of the needle in the appropriate sharps container or medical waste bin. For nondisposable needles, flush the needle and syringe with an appropriate cleaning agent (compatible with the injection fluid and your agency's policies) before storing the unit.