There can be implications to selecting the wrong needle. These can include:

• If the needle is of the incorrect length, it will not enter the correct tissue, and absorption of the product can be altered, resulting in failed efficacy.
• In the case of a young animal, if the needle is too long, there is potential to strike a bone or a nerve.

When selecting a needle, choose one that is sharp, durable and detectable. It must be standard practice to avoid contaminated, burred, bent or broken needles. To help combat the chances of a needle breaking, use a more durable, specialized stainless-steel needle with a thick-walled cannula.

Detectable needles also offer producers an option that can be easily identified and found by the metal detection systems within beef processing plants. The only 100% detectable needle is made of a specialized, highly ferritic, stainless-steel alloy.

Producers must also consider the syringe to be used with the needles. When producers are using injectable products, their options include single-use, disposable or multidose syringes that would either be a barrel refill, a bottle mount or a line fed. With multidose syringes, implementing an effective identification system to prevent product cross-contamination and selecting equipment with UV protective features are valuable considerations.

Proper care and use

Make sure your syringes are thoroughly cleaned before use. To clean syringes, use hot, deionized or distilled water that is 180° F or greater. Do not use soaps or disinfectants when cleaning syringes. Doing so could risk contamination and affect the internal contents and product efficacy.

With regard to multidose syringes, you will want to lubricate the O-rings in them. Never use any petroleum-based products, as those could cause problems with contamination. For storage, it is always best to store syringes in a clean, dry location.

Before using multidose syringes, it is key to ensure they are properly calibrated. To accomplish this, set the syringe for a 2-milliliter (mL) dose. Using water, simply measure the output into another syringe, such as a disposable one. It is recommended producers consistently check the calibration throughout processing.

If you are managing any blood-borne pathogens in your herd, such as anaplasmosis or bovine leukosis, it is best practice to replace the needle after every animal.

One frequently asked question is, “How often should needles be changed or replaced?” If you are managing any blood-borne pathogens in your herd, such as anaplasmosis or bovine leukosis, it is best practice to replace the needle after every animal. If your herd is not affected by blood-borne diseases, you can use needles for up to 10 to 15 injections, with some newer-technology needles providing durability for up to 20 injections. When using a multidose syringe, it is best practice to change the needle when you refill the syringe to maintain sharpness and prevent any accidental contamination. Change bent, burred or dirty needles immediately.

Proper recordkeeping for each individual animal is important, as well.

If you follow these best practices, along with selecting a needle of the proper gauge and length, you will ensure safe and effective injections.

To learn more, visit neogen.com/d3x

Editor’s note: Nick Wagner is a professional services veterinarian for Neogen. [Lead photo courtesy of Neogen.]

Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA, Vol. 17, No. 4-B