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We occasionally receive inquiries regarding the nomenclature used to identify syringe volumes. This article seeks to provide clarity on the reason syringes may be referred to by differing capacities.
General-purpose syringes, like many products, utilize international standards to ensure the function is familiar to professionals regardless of the brand or location. Hypodermic syringes are covered by several of these international standards, but the primary for general-purpose syringes is ISO 7886-1.
This ISO covers such things as barrel dimensions, plunger design, the nozzle (tip), dead space, operational force, lubricant, and graduation scale. Volume tolerances in ISO 7886-1 are based on what is referred to as the nominal capacity (the volume designated by the manufacturer).
Syringes typically have sufficient space beyond the nominal capacity to allow the user to pull back the plunger far enough to safely and easily remove air bubbles when loading the syringe. ISO 7886-1 permits the total graduated capacity to be equal to or greater than the nominal capacity. If there is extra space beyond the nominal capacity, the manufacturer can print graduation markings for the additional volume. However, if the scale is extended beyond the nominal capacity, the extended portion should be differentiated. Examples of differentiation include options such as encircling the scale number at the nominal capacity line or using different scales, numbers, or lines for the extra length of the scale.
See below for three examples of these extended graduations.
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This is a 2mL by ISO standards, but graduated (scaled) to 3mL. In the US, this is commonly referred to as a 3 milliliter syringe. In Europe they most often refer to this as a 2mL. |
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This is a 20mL syringe per ISO 7886-1, but can be referred to as a 20mL or a 25mL syringe. |
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This is a 50mL syringe with graduations extended to 60mL and commonly listed as a 60mL syringe. |
Not every syringe, nor every manufacturer provides the extended scale. Per ISO 7886-1, the only requirement is to mark the nominal capacity, not the maximum usable capacity. The table below shows some common sizes which tend to offer extended volume scales.
| Nominal Capacity | Common Total Graduated Capacity |
| 2mL | 3mL |
| 5mL | 6mL |
| 10mL | 12mL |
| 20mL | 24mL or 25mL |
| 30mL | 35mL |
| 50mL | 60mL |
If you have any questions about syringe volume nomenclature or any other aspect of the hypodermic products we carry, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Air-Tite Products is a company of syringe and needle experts, specializing in hypodermics since 1926. We focus on providing personalized service to our customers and distinguish ourselves with hard-to-find, niche products. Whether you need an off-the-shelf solution from our hundreds of stocked products or to leverage the capabilities of our manufacturing partners for a custom solution, Air-Tite Products is here to help.
