B. Braun Sterican Orange 25G x 5/8Inc (0.50 x 16 mm) Needle Long Bevel - Box of 100

Medical and non-medical use:
Normal medical use:
The 25G (⅝ inch) needle is used in normal medical practice for administering subcutaneous injections of drugs like heparin, and Tuberculin injections.

Non-medical use:
These notes are written for needle exchange staff buying orange 25G (⅝ inch) needles for distribution through a needle and syringe programme.

They will also be of interest to injecting drug users.

The 25G (⅝ inch) needle is principally used by people who inject illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, into a superficial or surface vein. For a number of years, the short orange needle was the most widely distributed separate needle distributed by needle exchanges.

Given that the 25G needle has been widely distributed for so long, there may be resistance amongst injectors to change, and workers should be sensitive to this and not try to impose change without consultation. However, there is evidence that well informed workers can effect change in the needles injectors choose, and in doing so significantly reduce harm.

As an aside, it’s worth noting that the 25G needle has a smaller gauge / greater diameter than the insulin syringes such as the `Microfine'. Although they have an orange safety cap, it is not an orange needle. The Microfine, for instance, is a 29G needle which is finer.

The 25G 16mm (⅝ inch) needle is sometimes used by people injecting anabolic steroids into smaller muscles.