What does a smaller gauge number indicate about a needle?

A smaller gauge number indicates that the needle has a larger diameter. In the gauge system, the numbering is inversely related to the size of the needle. Specifically, as the gauge number decreases, the inner diameter of the needle increases, making it wider. This is important in clinical settings, as different medications and injection techniques may require different needle sizes for optimal administration.

For instance, larger gauge needles (lower gauge number) are often used for drawing blood or administering thick medications, while smaller gauge needles (higher gauge number) might be used for more delicate applications such as vaccinations. Understanding this relationship helps healthcare providers select the appropriate needle size for various procedures.