Using the syringe and needle
9 November 2018
3 minute read
- On most pig farms 2ml, 10ml and 20ml syringes are required.
- Always use disposable ones, they are sterile and easy to manage.
- Use syringes with a side rather than a centre nozzle because they break less easily.
- Use only one medicine in one syringe. Some medicines are incompatible when mixed.
- Use one syringe for one injecting session and then dispose of it.
- Always wipe the bottle top clean with cotton wool and surgical spirit before use.
- Multi dose syringes must be kept in the refrigerator when not in use and cleaned and sterilised by boiling (10 minutes at 100ºC(212ºF)) between injecting sessions.
- Always keep part-used bottles in a refrigerator.
- Always use disposable needles that have a protective cap. This will keep the needle clean and prevent self inoculation.
- Change the needle frequently and determine the frequency by the ease of penetration into the tissues.
- Always change the needle immediately if: the end becomes burred, you drop it on the floor, it makes contact with the external environment.
- NEVER clean it with your fingers or wipe it with your clothing. Use fresh cotton wool and surgical spirit to clean the needle after 2 to 3 inoculations.
- Always use a separate needle for each individual animal when injecting breeding stock to prevent spread of Eperythrozoon suis by blood inoculation.
- The practical procedures for using a syringe and needle to administer iron are described in chapter 15.
