Blunt Fill Needle: How To Use

Blunt fill needles significantly reduce the risk of needlestick injuries, which are a prevalent occupational hazard in healthcare settings. Proper technique for medication withdrawal to avoid contamination, understanding the compatibility of medication with the needle material, and adherence to protocols for safe and accurate dosages are essential skills for nurses.

Last updated: December 5, 2025

What is a blunt fill needle?

A blunt fill needle is a type of medical needle that, unlike traditional sharp-tipped needles, has a rounded, blunted tip. This design feature significantly reduces the risk of accidental needlestick injuries, which can lead to serious infections if the needles are contaminated with bloodborne pathogens like HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C.

What are blunt fill needles used for?

Blunt fill needles are used to draw medications out of a sealed container. Blunt filter needles have an extra filter, which filters out solid particles from the liquid.

Use a blunt filter needle with any medication in a glass ampule or medications mixed from powdered form.

How to withdraw medication with a blunt fill needle

Supplies needed

Medication
1–3 mL syringe
Needle of appropriate size (typically 22G–25G)
Antiseptic pads
Gauze pad

Procedure

Open the medication vial and clean top with alcohol pad.
Open the syringe and blunt fill needle packages.
Screw the blunt fill needle onto the syringe.
Pull back on plunger to draw air into the syringe.
Uncap the blunt fill needle.
Puncture the rubber stopper on vial with the blunt fill needle.
Inject air into vial.
Flip vial over while maintaining the position of the needle.
Ensure the top of the needle is below the level of the liquid.
Pull back plunger to desired amount.
Remove blunt fill needle from vial.
Recap blunt fill needle with one-handed scoop method.
Open needle that will be used for client injection.
Remove blunt fill needle and screw on the injection needle.
Syringe and needle are ready for injection, dispose of blunt fill needle in sharps container.

Clinical tips

Avoid touching open ends of equipment to maintain sterility.
Draw in at least as much air as you will have medication.
It is okay to draw in more air than is needed.
If the needle tip is above the level of liquid, you will draw air into the syringe. Keep tip of the needle within the liquid medication while drawing back plunger to avoid extra air.
Lightly tap the syringe to remove any air bubbles in the medication.
Eliminate extra air in syringe by pushing plunger up and directing air back into vial. Ensure your medication dosage is correct once air is removed.
Maintain proper technique while recapping needles to avoid needle stick injuries.

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