Luer taper

Standardized system of small-scale fluid fittings for syringes and needles

Luer Taper

The Luer taper is a standardized system of small-scale fluid fittings used for making leak-free connections between a male-taper fitting and its mating female part on medical and laboratory instruments, such as syringes, hypodermic needles, and certain types of catheters. The system is named after the German medical instrument maker Hermann Wülfing Luer.

A syringe with a hypodermic needle attached using a Luer taper

Design and Function

The Luer taper is a conical fitting that allows for a secure connection between two components. The taper is designed to be self-sealing, which means that the connection becomes tighter as the two parts are pushed together. This design minimizes the risk of leaks and ensures that fluids can be transferred safely and efficiently.

There are two main types of Luer connections:

• Luer Slip: This type of connection relies on a simple friction fit. The male and female parts are pushed together, and the friction between the surfaces holds them in place. Luer slip fittings are easy to connect and disconnect, making them suitable for applications where frequent changes are necessary.

• Luer Lock: This type of connection includes a threaded locking mechanism that secures the male and female parts together. The Luer lock provides a more secure connection than the Luer slip, reducing the risk of accidental disconnection. This makes it ideal for applications where a secure, long-term connection is required.

Applications

Luer taper fittings are widely used in the medical field for a variety of applications, including:

• Intravenous therapy: Luer connections are used to attach syringes to IV lines, allowing for the administration of medications and fluids.
• Blood sampling: Needles with Luer fittings are used to draw blood samples from patients.
• Drug delivery: Syringes with Luer connections are used to deliver medications directly into the bloodstream or tissues.
• Laboratory equipment: Luer fittings are used in laboratory settings to connect various types of tubing and equipment for fluid transfer.

Advantages

The Luer taper system offers several advantages:

• Standardization: The Luer taper is a standardized fitting, which means that components from different manufacturers are compatible with each other.
• Ease of use: The simple design of the Luer taper makes it easy to connect and disconnect components.
• Versatility: Luer fittings can be used with a wide range of medical and laboratory equipment.
• Safety: The secure connection provided by Luer locks reduces the risk of accidental disconnection and fluid leakage.

Related pages

• Syringe
• Hypodermic needle
• Intravenous therapy
• Catheter