So, maybe you have heard many people saying that butterfly needles hurt less when used for drawing blood than other needles. In fact, many patients ask for one to be used when their blood is being drawn. But, is that so? Is it rather something that is just perceived by patients or does butterfly needles actually hurt less?
Let’s dive into this article as I attempt to answer this question.
Debunking the Belief that Butterfly Needles are Smaller
For some reason it is believed by most patients that butterfly needles are smaller than other needles. And, as a result, they perceive that butterfly needles hurt less. The truth is butterfly needles are not smaller than straight needles. The needles used for drawing blood are generally gauges 21, 22, and 23. The gauge refers to the diameter or the hole inside the needle. The smaller the gauge the bigger the diameter and the bigger the gauge the smaller the diameter. So, a 21 gauge needle is bigger than a 23 gauge needle.
Butterfly needles are designed with the same gauges and the ones used in phlebotomy for drawing blood are the same gauges as other needles. So, in actuality, butterfly needles are not smaller. They are actually the same size with straight needles. Where they vary is in the length of the needle. In general, butterfly needles used for drawing blood are shorter in length than straight needles, although straight needles come in different lengths.
So, actually what people mean when they say that butterfly needles used for drawing blood are smaller than other needles, is that the butterfly needle is shorter. They are referring to the butterfly needle’s length. In their minds they conclude that it is smaller, and also perceive that because of its shorter (thought of as smaller) attribute it hurts less.
So, Do Butterfly Needles Hurt Less?
Butterfly needles are often favored for their ability to minimize discomfort. That’s why a person may ask for a butterfly needle when their blood is being drawn. They may have heard it hurts less or may have experienced it before. But, there are also other reasons why and when to use a butterfly needle. But, that’s a post for another day. In fact, I wrote an article sharing some indications when to use one. You can go here to read it.
Here’s the reasons why:
1. Smaller Needle Length
Butterfly needles are typically shorter in length (fewer inches) than traditional needles. The shorter needle and less cumbersome apparatus can slide into the skin and vein more easily, reducing the sensation of pain. As a result, it is perceived by some to cause less pain. This makes them ideal for patients with sensitive skin, smaller veins, or a low tolerance for discomfort.
2. Gentle Insertion
The design of the butterfly needle allows for precise control during insertion. The “wings” provide a stable grip, making it easier for the healthcare provider to guide the needle smoothly into the vein. This reduces the chance of missed veins or multiple attempts, which can be painful and frustrating.
3. Flexible Tubing
The attached tubing prevents the needle from moving inside the vein once it’s in place. Traditional needles, which are often directly connected to a syringe or collection tube, can shift slightly with patient movement. This movement can cause discomfort or even bruising, but the flexible tubing of a butterfly needle eliminates that risk.
4. Less Pressure on the Vein
Butterfly needles are designed for slower, controlled blood draws. This gentler process places less pressure on the vein, reducing the risk of a vein collapsing like in the case of elderly patients.
Benefits Beyond Comfort
While reduced pain is a significant advantage, butterfly needles offer additional benefits:
- Lower Risk of Vein Damage: The shorter length and controlled insertion can reduce the risk of damaging veins or causing hematomas.
- Greater Precision: The less cumbersome design allows for better insertion, making it easier to access veins that are small, rolling, or fragile.
- Versatility: Butterfly needles can be used for both blood draws and IV placements, making them a flexible tool for healthcare providers.
Are There Any Downsides to Butterfly Needles?
While butterfly needles are incredibly useful, they’re not perfect for every situation:
- The tubing can cause the blood to clot during a slow blood draw. Because it takes more time to fill a tube vial when using a butterfly needle, the blood can end up clotting during collection.
- Higher Cost: Butterfly needles are generally more expensive than straight needles, which might influence their use in certain settings. Many phlebotomists want to use more butterfly needles as well as many patients prefer them. But their cost can limit their use.
- Skill Required: Using a butterfly needle effectively requires practice and precision, so a less experienced provider might not achieve the same results.
Do Phlebotomists Always Use the Butterfly Needle?
No, phlebotomists don’t always use butterfly needles for blood draws. While butterfly needles are popular for their comfort and precision, especially for patients with difficult veins, they are not the default choice for all blood draws.
In many cases, straight needles attached to vacutainers are used because they allow for faster blood collection, making them more efficient for patients with healthy veins. Butterfly needles are typically reserved for:
- Patients with smaller or delicate veins.
- Situations requiring extra precision, such as pediatric or geriatric blood draws.
- Individuals with a fear of needles, where minimizing discomfort is crucial.
A phlebotomist or nurse will assess each patient’s needs to determine the most suitable equipment for the blood draw.
What’s the Difference Between Butterfly Needles and Straight Needles?
The key differences between butterfly needles and straight needles lie in their design, purpose, and patient experience:
- Design:
- Butterfly needles have a shorter length, flexible tubing, and plastic “wings” for precise control.
- Straight needles are generally longer, attached directly to a syringe or vacutainer.
- Purpose:
- Butterfly needles are ideal for small or fragile veins, patients who require multiple blood draws, or those who need gentler handling.
- Straight needles are suited for bigger veins and situations requiring quick, high-volume blood collection.
- Comfort:
- Butterfly needles can sometimes be less painful and cause less trauma to the vein, making them a preferred option for sensitive patients.
- Straight needles may cause more discomfort at times but are efficient for standard procedures.
While both types of needles serve the same goal—drawing blood—the choice depends on the patient’s specific needs and the phlebotomist or nurse’s assessment.
Final Thoughts
There is the perception by patients that butterfly needles hurt less when their blood is drawn using one. However, their perceived “less pain” is not due to the smaller attribute of a butterfly needle because a butterfly needle is not smaller than straight needles. It is shorter!
Because of their design and being less cumbersome than the use of a syringe or the vacutainer method, butterfly needles can reduce the amount of pain or discomfort felt during a blood draw. However, part of that is due largely to the skill of the phlebotomist, doctor, or nurse performing the venipuncture.
Someone who is not so skilled may not do as good of a job as someone who has experience. Also, it depends on who you talk to. Some people who have experienced butterfly needles don’t think they hurt less than straight needles. So, the answer can be subjective.
However, while some may believe that it hurts less and others that it doesn’t, there is some slight pain or sting felt when either needles are inserted into the skin and surrounding tissues.