Dimensions of Stabident intraosseous perforators and needles

Problems can be encountered inserting intraosseous injection needles throug h perforation sites. This in vitro study examined the variability and size compatibility of Stabident intraosseous injection components. The diameters of 40 needles and perforators from a single Stabident kit were measured in triplicate with a toolmakers microscope. One-way ANOVA revealed that mean needle diameter (0.411 mm) was significantly narrower than mean perforator diameter (0.427 mm) (p < 0.001). A frequency distribution plot revealed tha t needle diameter followed a normal distribution, indicating tight quality control during manufacture. The diameter of perforators was haphazardly dis tributed, with a clustering of 15% at the lower limit of the size range. Ho wever on no occasion was the diameter of a perforator smaller than that of an injection needle. We conclude that components of the Stabident intraosse ous anaesthetic system are size-compatible, but there is greater and more h aphazard variability in the diameter of perforators than injection needles.