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An insulin syringe has three parts: a needle, a barrel, and a plunger.
Insulin syringes are made in several sizes.
Syringe size
Number of units the syringe holds
1/4 mL or 0.25 mL
25
1/3 mL or 0.33 mL
30
1/2 mL or 0.50 mL
50
1 mL
100
Use the smallest syringe size you can for the dose of insulin you need. The measuring lines on the barrel of small syringes are farther apart and easier to see. When you choose the size of syringe, consider the number of units you need to give and how well you can see the markings on the barrel.
Current as of: March 1, 2023
Author: Healthwise StaffMedical Review: E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal MedicineAdam Husney MD - Family MedicineKathleen Romito MD - Family MedicineRhonda O'Brien MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes EducatorDavid C.W. Lau MD, PhD, FRCPC - Endocrinology
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Rhonda O'Brien MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator & David C.W. Lau MD, PhD, FRCPC - Endocrinology
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