Butterfly Needles: What Size Should You Use and Why It Matters

Butterfly Needles – What Size Should You Use?Not sure whether to choose 21G or 23G butterfly needles? This post breaks down the differences, when to use each size, and how to make patient-friendly,

Butterfly Needles: What Size Should You Use and Why It Matters

Choosing the right butterfly needle isn’t just a box-ticking exercise — it can have a real impact on how comfortable your patients feel and how smoothly your procedure goes. At Minghai Protect, we supply both 21G and 23G CE-marked butterfly needles with vacuum holders, which are commonly used in everything from general phlebotomy to aesthetic and PRP procedures.

What Are Butterfly Needles? Also known as winged infusion sets, butterfly needles are a go-to for many healthcare professionals. They're flexible, easy to handle, and allow for precise control — particularly helpful when working with patients who have small, fragile, or hard-to-locate veins, such as children or the elderly.

21G vs 23G: What’s the Difference?

• 21G needles are slightly wider, which means they allow faster blood flow. They're often the preferred choice for drawing larger volumes of blood — for example, in PRP therapy.

• 23G needles are narrower, making them ideal for more delicate veins or situations where patient comfort is a top priority.