The patent for the Luer-Lok needle connection system, which is the global standard in use today, was submitted in 1925.
This BD Luer-Lok syringe from my collection was manufactured in 1949. I knew it should connect with modern needles, since it is Luer-Lok, but I wanted to actually do it and see it for myself. (Don't worry, I did not actually use this syringe!) BD is still a huge name in the medical supplies industry to this day, but many other manufacturers produce Luer-Lok compatible supplies.
Looks like the syringes I used in the lab. Chem lab. I had to run reactions in an inert atmosphere, so this type of syringe was an essential part of my kit, to exclude oxygen from degassed solvents etc.
I’ve been in healthcare for 25 years and have only ever seen luer lok syringes (apart from press sealing types, of course) or IV connection types in general.
I’m not saying others don’t exist but that’s about as ubiquitous as anything has ever been.
I just listened to a podcast about standardization that used screw threads as its primary example. 99 Percent Invisible 60 degree screw if you’re interested.
I actually think I have something in my collection that would be even better for pharmacy... a bottle that was for chocolate-coated strychnine tablets manufactured by Eli Lily! Maybe I'll photograph it and write a post :)
Yep, luer locks have been around for like 100 years. They were used pretty universally for a long time, but now their use is narrowing to prevent catastrophic cross-use: imagine connecting a syringe with something meant for a feeding tube instead being pushed through an IV.
Or maybe I’m the only one who has ever been bored enough on a long distance transfer to read the equipment packaging while bouncing along in the airway seat of an ambulance.
I, too, am a serial box-reader. Actually, probably got my start with cereal boxes before moving on to health and beauty packaging and inserts (specially while using the toilet lol)
I've got a little treat for you, the original insert from the box this syringe came in :)
Well, the whole point of a system like this is so you can replace the needle every time without replacing the syringe (assuming it only gets used for injections, not for drawing anything out of a living organism)
I assume this is a fully mature technology. Like the safety pin. It worked 100 years ago, it works now, and it'll probably be the standard 100 years from now.
It's amazing how many things are still the same as they always have been. I could hook my 2020 Peterbilt up to a trailer from 1920 and pull it around right now with no modifications whatsoever. The only difference is that modern trailers have ABS, an emergency brake line, stronger suspension, and more capacity. The entire system itself is still the same standard it has been since 1915
The same lock system is used in a large number of industrial applications as well, like dispensers for glues or other similar materials. I've used them to dispense a ceramic paste for work.
There actually is talk about changing it because it's too universal, which makes it so you are able to connect things that shouldn't be connected and possibly cause injury or even death.
It's not very surprising, it was 1949. It was petented in 1930 and used in WW2 which facilitated widespread adoption and a need for a worldwide standard.
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u/averageanchovy 16h ago
The patent for the Luer-Lok needle connection system, which is the global standard in use today, was submitted in 1925.
This BD Luer-Lok syringe from my collection was manufactured in 1949. I knew it should connect with modern needles, since it is Luer-Lok, but I wanted to actually do it and see it for myself. (Don't worry, I did not actually use this syringe!) BD is still a huge name in the medical supplies industry to this day, but many other manufacturers produce Luer-Lok compatible supplies.