A Scalp Vein Set, also known as a butterfly needle or winged infusion set, is a medical device designed for venipuncture. It consists of a hypodermic needle with flexible “wings” on either side, a length of soft, flexible tubing, and a connector to attach to a syringe or IV line. It’s primarily used for accessing small or difficult veins, commonly in paediatric, geriatric, or oncology patients, or for short-term intravenous therapy and blood sampling.

•  Needle Gauge Sizes: Commonly 18G, 20G, 21G, 23G (smaller gauge means larger diameter)

•   Needle Length: Usually 19 mm to 25 mm

•  Tubing Length: Approximately 20–30 cm of flexible PVC or silicone tubing

•   Wings: Soft, flexible plastic wings for easy handling and stability during insertion

•  Connector: Standard Luer lock or slip fitting compatible with syringes and IV sets

•   Colour Coding: Needle gauges are color-coded as per ISO standards for easy identification 

•   Packaging: Sterile, individually packed for single use

•  Needle: Stainless steel, surgical grade, sharp bevelled tip for easy insertion

•  Tubing: Medical-grade PVC or silicone for flexibility and kink resistance

•   Wings: Polypropylene or similar soft plastic for grip and control

Intravenous (IV) Access Devices / Blood Collection Devices

Single-use, sterile, disposable winged needle set with tubing and connector.

•  Venipuncture for blood collection

•  Short-term intravenous infusions or medications

•  Accessing small or fragile veins, especially in paediatric and elderly patients

•  Oncology patients with compromised veins

•  Situations requiring more precision and stability during needle insertion

•  Flexible wings improve needle control and reduce accidental needle movement

•  Soft tubing allows comfortable vein access with less trauma

•  Smaller needle sizes minimize pain and vessel damage

•  Ideal for small or fragile veins

•  Easy to secure with tape or dressings

•  Reduces risk of needle dislodgement during infusion

•   Single-use only, creating medical waste

•  Risk of needle-stick injuries if not handled carefully

•  Tubing length may not be sufficient for all infusion setups

•  Not suitable for long-term intravenous access

•  Use sterile, single-use scalp vein sets only to prevent infection

•  Ensure correct needle gauge based on patient vein size and procedure

•  Dispose of used needles immediately in approved sharps containers

•  Avoid excessive bending or kinking of tubing

•  Monitor insertion site for signs of infiltration, phlebitis, or infection

•  Use sterile, single-use scalp vein sets only to prevent infection

•  Ensure correct needle gauge based on patient vein size and procedure

•  Dispose of used needles immediately in approved sharps containers

•  Avoid excessive bending or kinking of tubing

•   Monitor insertion site for signs of infiltration, phlebitis, or infection

•  HS Code: 9018.39 — Needles, catheters, cannula and the like (excluding those for sutures or acupuncture)

•  HSN Code (India): 9018 — Instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences

•  Supplied sterile and intended for single use only — no re-sterilization recommended

•  Manufactured under strict aseptic conditions and packaged in sterile barrier systems

•  Store in a clean, dry environment away from direct sunlight

•  Human Medicine: Used extensively in hospitals, clinics, and laboratories for blood draws and IV infusions

•  Veterinary Medicine: Adapted scalp vein sets are used in animals for blood sampling and IV therapies, especially in small animals like cats and dogs

Q1: What is a scalp vein set?

  A1: It’s a winged infusion set with a needle and tubing designed to access small veins for blood collection or IV therapy.

Q2: Why is it called a butterfly needle?

  A2: Because the plastic wings on either side resemble butterfly wings, helping with needle control during insertion.

Q3: Can it be reused?

  A3: No, scalp vein sets are single-use devices to prevent infection and contamination.

Q4: What needle gauge should I use?

  A4: It depends on vein size and procedure; common gauges are 21G for adults and 23G for children or fragile veins.

Q5: How is it sterilized?

 A5: They are pre-sterilized by manufacturers using ethylene oxide or gamma radiation and supplied sterile.