How To Install The NanoFil Syringe Needles

NanoFil™ is a unique low volume syringe developed for improved microinjection in mice and other small animals. Here we'll show you how to install your needle in a way that prevents damage to the gasket and keeps your needles straight.

The NanoFil syringe system utilizes a seal system that is based on a 0.46 mm shank diameter. Any needle or tubing with an outside diameter of 0.46 mm should fit the NanoFil’s seal system. Here is how to install your needle in a way that prevents damage to the gasket and keeps your needles straight.

PRO TIP: Always use surgical gloves to prevent the oils from your skin from affecting the needle or the gasket.

1. To change or install a needle, loosen the screw cap by turning it counterclockwise to release the compression of the seal. If there is a needle in place, it should pull out easily.
   
   
2. Remove the screw cap and the gasket from the syringe.
   
   
3. Install the replacement needle by pushing the shank of the needle into the open hole in the screw cap.
   
   TIP: Clean the thick part of the needle shank that goes into the gasket with alcohol to remove any oils left behind by handling and prevent the needle from slipping or moving. Otherwise, residual lubricants from your hands can allow the needle to slip or move from the zero set position.

4. Place the gasket on the needle.
   
   
5. Push the gasket up into the screw cap.
6. Place the needle into the syringe body and align it to the zero mark. Push the needle in far enough to observe the shank through the glass syringe body. In general, the needle should be pushed in until the end of the shank is positioned at the zero mark on the scale. Going beyond this position will not damage the syringe or the needle, but it will prevent the plunger from being able to travel down to the zero mark.
   
   
7. Once the shank is in the desired position, tighten the screw cap finger tight. Then test the security of the seal by pulling on the needle. It should not come out easily.

The NanoFil syringe plunger should only be used when the barrel is wet. Otherwise, friction can damage the Teflon^® needle of the plunger. Do not pull the plunger repeatedly when the barrel is dry.

IF the needle is clogged, the plunger can generate a very high pressure exceeding 10,000 PSI due to the small cross sectional area of the piston. The gasket in the syringe will not be able to hold the needle in position under such a high pressure, so it may move or shoot out like a bullet. Therefore, never point the syringe needle at a person, and always use protective glasses when using the very small needle.

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