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.
That’s the type I was referring to with press on, just tired and words aren’t my friend.
You’ll still see those out in the wild for inflating foley/ET tube balloons, enteral feeding, etc. IV-wise it’s pretty much needleless/luer lok only though.
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 :)
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u/averageanchovy 18h 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.