Aspiration Adapter for IM Injections

This is a simple adapter that snaps onto a BD 3 ml syringe, allowing the plunger to be pulled back before injecting (also known as "aspirating"). Many doctors recommend this, but it is difficult to do, especially when self-injecting (and even more especially when your other hand is busy with something like z-tracking).

Aspirating can be useful to verify that you are not injecting directly into a blood vessel, but there is a lot of disagreement about whether aspirating is good, and exactly how to do it. Follow your doctor's advice, and ask him/her if a gadget like this would be something you should use.

For what it's worth, my doctor had an amused expression when I showed it to her, but she said it was fine if I wanted to use it. She didn't mention nominating me for a Nobel Prize in medicine, but maybe she was just busy that day.

Improvements:

I should have beveled at least the bottom corners, so they don't run into the fingers that are holding the barrel.

I would rather have a more positive lock on the plunger disc, rather than just a friction fit. I had trouble thinking of something that would be printable, though.

It would be nice if it could accommodate a wider range of syringes.

It's awkward removing it before dropping the needle in the sharps bin. A better way of attaching and detaching would be nice.

Disclaimer:

I'm not a doctor, and even if I were, you didn't pay me. I don't know you, and I don't know what is good for you. I'm not saying to take any particular medication in any particular way. Do not use this device, or any other device, if it is illegal where you are. Do not take any medications unless a real doctor tells you to. Do not use this device while under the influence of drugs (other than I suppose the drugs you're using it to inject). Do not handle high voltage electricity while using the device. Do not allow children to play with needles. Do not give children alcohol, firearms, or chainsaws, even if they ask politely. Do not apply needles directly to your eyeball. And would it kill you to call your mom every now and then? I mean, she only gave you life, that's not a big deal or anything, right?

Print Settings

Printer Brand:

Printrbot

Printer:

Rafts:

No

Supports:

Resolution:

0.3 mm

Infill:

Notes:

Actually a venerable plywood printrbot simple kit, complete with fishing line and dremel sanding drums for x/y movement. I had to add fairly generous margins to allow for its sloppiness, so a newer printer might need a narrower slot (where the plunger snaps in).

How I Designed This

Designed in FreeCad.

Category: Hand Tools