In phlebotomy, what does a higher gauge needle indicate?

In the context of phlebotomy, a higher gauge needle indicates a smaller needle bore. Gauge is a measure of the diameter of the needle: as the gauge number increases, the diameter of the needle decreases. For instance, a 21-gauge needle is larger and has a wider bore compared to a 25-gauge needle, which is finer and has a smaller bore.

This characteristic is critical during venipuncture, as the choice of needle gauge can affect the quality of blood samples collected and the comfort of the patient. Finer needles may minimize discomfort but can be more prone to clogging or collapsing veins, while larger needles can facilitate quicker blood flow and are often used for larger volume samples. Understanding this relationship between gauge size and bore diameter is essential for making appropriate choices regarding venipuncture procedures.