Spinal & Epidural Needles
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About Spinal & Epidural Needles
Spinal & Epidural Needles give anesthesia providers the access they need for neuraxial procedures, from single-shot spinal anesthesia to continuous epidural catheter placement. This category brings together BD spinal needles in Quincke and Whitacre tip styles, Weiss and Tuohy epidural needles, introducer needles, epidural catheters, loss-of-resistance syringes, and complete spinal, epidural, and combined spinal-epidural trays. Gauges run from fine 27 G pencil-point needles to 16 G epidural needles, with lengths from 1 1/2 in. to 7 in. for different patient builds. Hospitals, surgical centers, labor and delivery units, and pain management clinics can source single needles for custom setups or ready-to-use sterile trays that keep the procedure field organized.
Why Spinal & Epidural Needles Are Essential
Neuraxial anesthesia sits at the center of many everyday clinical moments: a cesarean delivery, a hip replacement, a laboring patient asking for relief. In each case, the needle is the provider's only direct connection to the space they are trying to reach, and small details matter. Tip geometry affects how the needle passes through the dura. Gauge influences flow and the feel of the procedure. Length determines whether the provider can reach the target comfortably in a larger patient.
Having the right needle on the shelf also matters for the patient. A provider who can choose between a cutting Quincke tip and a pencil-point Whitacre tip, or between a standard and long epidural needle, can match the device to the person on the table instead of making do. Pre-assembled trays reduce setup time and help teams keep components consistent from case to case, which supports safer, calmer procedures for everyone in the room.
What Are Spinal & Epidural Needles?
Spinal and epidural needles are long, thin, sterile needles designed to reach the spaces surrounding the spinal cord. A spinal needle passes through the dura into the subarachnoid space, where cerebrospinal fluid confirms placement and medication is injected directly. An epidural needle stops just short of the dura in the epidural space, usually with a curved tip that helps guide a catheter for ongoing medication delivery.
Most needles in this category use a stainless steel cannula with a polypropylene hub, and each comes with a stylet that fills the lumen during insertion. Some epidural needles add fixed wings for grip, while thin-wall designs allow a larger inner diameter for catheter passage.
Types of Spinal & Epidural Needles
1. Quincke Spinal Needles
Best for: Spinal anesthesia, lumbar puncture, and diagnostic CSF collection where a traditional cutting bevel is preferred.
BD Quincke spinal needles feature a sharp, beveled cutting tip that gives a familiar, crisp feel as the needle advances through tissue. They are one of the most widely recognized spinal needle designs and remain a standard choice in many departments.
This category carries Quincke needles in a broad range of sizes, from 18 G to 26 G and from 1 1/2 in. to 7 in. in length. Longer options help providers reach the subarachnoid space in patients with a deeper skin-to-target distance.
Key Features
- The cutting bevel tip provides a sharp, controlled entry through skin and ligament.
- A stainless steel cannula is paired with a polypropylene hub, with Luer hubs on many models.
- Multiple gauge and length combinations allow providers to match the needle to the patient.
- Many listings are EO sterilized and individually packaged for single use.
Applications
- Single-shot spinal anesthesia for surgical procedures.
- Diagnostic lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid sampling.
- Intrathecal medication administration under physician direction.
- Procedures in patients who need extra-long needles to reach the target space.
2. Whitacre Pencil-Point Spinal Needles
Best for: Spinal anesthesia where a non-cutting, pencil-point tip is preferred, including many obstetric cases.
BD Whitacre spinal needles have a closed, conical tip with a side opening just behind it. Rather than cutting dural fibers, the pencil-point design is intended to spread them apart, and pencil-point needles are widely associated with a lower risk of post-dural puncture headache compared with cutting tips.
Whitacre needles in this category are offered from 22 G to 27 G, in 3 1/2 in. and 5 in. lengths. Fine gauges such as 25 G and 27 G are common in obstetric and outpatient settings.
Key Features
- The pencil-point tip with a side port is designed to separate rather than cut dural fibers.
- Fine-gauge options down to 27 G support gentle dural puncture.
- A stainless steel cannula and polypropylene hub offer a lightweight, rigid feel.
- Standard and long lengths accommodate a range of patient body types.
Applications
- Spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery and other obstetric procedures.
- Orthopedic and lower-abdominal surgery under spinal anesthesia.
- Outpatient procedures where providers prefer a pencil-point needle.
- The spinal component of combined spinal-epidural techniques.
3. Weiss and Tuohy Epidural Needles
Best for: Locating the epidural space and threading an epidural catheter for continuous analgesia or anesthesia.
Epidural needles have a blunter, curved tip that helps the provider feel tissue planes and directs a catheter along the epidural space. The BD Perisafe Tuohy epidural needles in this category use a thin-wall stainless steel cannula. BD Weiss epidural needles share the curved tip and add fixed wings on many models, giving providers a secure two-handed grip during loss-of-resistance techniques.
Sizes range from 16 G to 20 G, with lengths of 2 in., 3 1/2 in., and 5 in.
Key Features
- A curved tip helps guide the catheter in the intended direction.
- Fixed-wing hubs on Weiss needles provide stable control during advancement.
- Thin-wall Tuohy cannulas support smooth catheter passage.
- Standard and long lengths are available for different patient anatomies.
Applications
- Labor epidural analgesia.
- Continuous epidural anesthesia or postoperative analgesia.
- Epidural steroid injection procedures in pain management practice.
- Custom procedure setups that pair a needle with a separate catheter and syringe.
4. Spinal Anesthesia Trays
Best for: Departments that want a complete, sterile spinal setup in a single package.
BD spinal trays bundle a spinal needle with the components typically needed for the procedure. Depending on the configuration, trays may include a Whitacre, Quincke, or Sprotte needle, an introducer, local anesthetic such as lidocaine HCl, and in some versions bupivacaine HCl or epinephrine. Safety tray versions and the BD Support Spinal Tray are also offered.
Because many trays contain medications, providers should review each tray's contents list and follow facility protocol for storage, labeling, and medication verification.
Key Features
- Trays are sterile and disposable, and many are sold 10 per case.
- Needle options include Whitacre, Quincke, Sprotte, or a combination of Whitacre and Quincke.
- Many configurations include local anesthetic and intrathecal medication.
- A consistent layout helps teams standardize setup from case to case.
Applications
- Spinal anesthesia in operating rooms and ambulatory surgery centers.
- Obstetric spinal anesthesia for scheduled and urgent cesarean deliveries.
- Facilities that want to reduce the time spent gathering individual supplies.
5. Epidural Trays
Best for: Labor and delivery units and anesthesia teams that place epidural catheters regularly.
BD Perisafe epidural trays combine an epidural needle with supporting components in a standard tray format. Options in this category include trays with Weiss or Tuohy needles from 17 G to 20 G, some with a 19 G Spirol catheter, and trays containing lidocaine HCl, including a version with lidocaine and epinephrine.
As with spinal trays, review each tray's listed contents before use and follow facility protocol and manufacturer instructions.
Key Features
- Weiss or Tuohy needle options are available in several gauges.
- Select trays include an epidural catheter for continuous techniques.
- Local anesthetic is included in many configurations.
- The sterile, single-use format supports consistent preparation.
Applications
- Labor epidural placement.
- Continuous epidural anesthesia for surgery.
- Postoperative epidural analgesia programs.
6. Combined Spinal-Epidural (CSE) Trays and Needle Sets
Best for: Providers who use the combined spinal-epidural technique, often in obstetric anesthesia.
CSE products pair a fine spinal needle with an epidural needle so both can be used in one procedure. BD Perisafe Combined Spinal and Epidural Trays and BD Combined Spinal and Epidural Needle Sets in this category pair a 25 G or 27 G Whitacre spinal needle with a 17 G or 18 G Weiss epidural needle.
The needle sets suit teams who build their own field, while the trays provide a more complete packaged setup.
Key Features
- A Whitacre pencil-point spinal needle is matched with a Weiss epidural needle.
- Gauge pairings are offered to match provider preference.
- The sets are sterile and EO sterilized according to product listings.
Applications
- Combined spinal-epidural analgesia for labor.
- Surgical anesthesia where an epidural catheter is planned for extended coverage.
- Postoperative pain management that begins with a spinal dose.
7. Introducer Needles, Epidural Catheters, and LOR Syringes
Best for: Building custom setups or replacing individual components.
The BD Perisafe Spinal Introducer Needle creates a path through skin and ligament so a fine spinal needle can follow without bending. The BD Perisafe Catheter with Connector is a closed-end nylon epidural catheter, and the BD Perisafe M/P Procedure Needle offers an 18 G stainless steel option for procedural use. BD Epilor plastic loss-of-resistance syringes hold 7 mL and come in Luer-Lok and Luer slip tip versions.
Key Features
- Introducer needles help support and guide fine-gauge spinal needles.
- Epidural catheters include a connector for medication delivery.
- Loss-of-resistance syringes have a polypropylene barrel and are offered with either tip style.
- Sterile, individually packaged components make restocking simple.
Applications
- Guiding 25 G and 27 G spinal needles during insertion.
- Identifying the epidural space with a loss-of-resistance technique.
- Continuous epidural infusions through an indwelling catheter.
When to Use Spinal & Epidural Needles
These products are intended for use by trained clinicians, typically anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists, and other qualified providers, as part of a planned neuraxial or diagnostic procedure. Common situations include:
- Surgical anesthesia: Spinal or epidural anesthesia for lower-abdominal, pelvic, orthopedic, and lower-extremity procedures.
- Obstetrics: Labor epidurals, combined spinal-epidural analgesia, and spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery.
- Diagnostics: Lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid collection.
- Pain management: Epidural injections and continuous catheter-based analgesia.
- Postoperative care: Epidural catheters for ongoing pain control after surgery.
Patient selection, contraindications, and medication choices should always follow physician judgment and facility protocol.
How to Use Spinal & Epidural Needles
The steps below are a general overview for supply planning. They are not procedural instructions. Always follow facility protocol, clinical training, and manufacturer instructions.
- Confirm the order and product. Check the needle type, gauge, length, and tray contents against the planned procedure.
- Inspect the packaging. Verify that the sterile package is intact and within its expiration date.
- Prepare the field. Open trays or components using aseptic technique and verify any included medications per facility protocol.
- Position and prepare the patient. Follow facility protocol for positioning, skin antisepsis, and draping.
- Perform the procedure. A qualified provider performs insertion according to clinical training and the manufacturer's instructions for use.
- Dispose of sharps properly. Discard needles and single-use components in an approved sharps container.
Key Features of Spinal & Epidural Needles
- Tip design choices: Quincke cutting bevels, Whitacre and Sprotte pencil points, and curved Tuohy and Weiss epidural tips cover different clinical preferences.
- Wide size range: Spinal needles from 18 G to 27 G and epidural needles from 16 G to 20 G, with lengths up to 7 in.
- Stylet-equipped cannulas: Stainless steel cannulas with removable stylets help keep the lumen clear during insertion.
- Sterile, single-use packaging: Components arrive individually packaged or as complete trays.
- Kit and component flexibility: Teams can choose all-in-one trays or build custom setups from individual parts.
Benefits of Spinal & Epidural Needles
1. A Better Match for Each Patient
With multiple gauges, lengths, and tip styles available, providers can select a needle that fits the patient's body type and the procedure, rather than adapting technique to whatever happens to be in stock.
2. Support for Patient Comfort
Fine-gauge pencil-point needles give providers an option that many prefer when minimizing dural trauma is a priority, such as in obstetric patients.
3. Faster, More Consistent Setup
Pre-assembled spinal, epidural, and CSE trays bring the needle and supporting components together in one sterile package. Teams spend less time gathering supplies, and each case starts with the same familiar layout.
4. Flexibility for Custom Workflows
Individual needles, introducers, catheters, and LOR syringes let experienced providers assemble the exact combination they prefer, or replace a single component without opening a full tray.
5. Simplified Purchasing
Sourcing spinal needles, epidural needles, trays, and accessories from one category makes it easier for purchasing teams to standardize on a consistent product line and keep anesthesia carts stocked.
How to Choose the Right Spinal & Epidural Needles
Start with the procedure. Spinal anesthesia and lumbar puncture call for a spinal needle, while catheter-based techniques require an epidural needle. Combined spinal-epidural cases are easiest with a matched CSE set or tray.
Next, consider tip design. Quincke cutting tips offer a familiar, sharp feel. Whitacre and Sprotte pencil-point tips are often chosen when providers want a non-cutting design. For epidurals, decide between Tuohy needles and winged Weiss needles based on how your providers prefer to grip the needle.
Gauge and length come next. Finer gauges are common for spinal anesthesia, while larger gauges may be preferred for diagnostic taps or when faster fluid return is needed. Longer needles help with patients who have a greater skin-to-target depth.
Finally, decide between trays and components. Trays work well for high-volume, standardized workflows. Individual items suit custom setups and restocking. If you choose a tray, review its listed contents, including any medications, to confirm they fit your facility's formulary and protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between a spinal needle and an epidural needle?
A spinal needle is designed to pass through the dura into the subarachnoid space, where medication mixes with cerebrospinal fluid. An epidural needle is usually larger in gauge, has a curved tip, and is used to reach the epidural space just outside the dura, often so a catheter can be threaded for continuous medication delivery.
2. What is the difference between Quincke and Whitacre spinal needles?
Quincke needles have a sharp, cutting bevel at the tip. Whitacre needles have a closed, pencil-point tip with a side opening, designed to spread dural fibers instead of cutting them. Many providers choose pencil-point needles when they want to reduce the risk of post-dural puncture headache, but the final choice depends on clinical judgment and facility preference.
3. What is the difference between Tuohy and Weiss epidural needles?
Both have a curved tip that helps direct an epidural catheter. Weiss needles add fixed wings on the hub, which many providers like for a steady two-handed grip during loss-of-resistance techniques. Tuohy needles in this category feature a thin-wall cannula. Preference often comes down to provider training and feel.
4. Why would I use an introducer needle?
Fine-gauge spinal needles such as 25 G and 27 G are flexible and can deflect as they pass through skin and ligament. An introducer needle creates an initial path so the spinal needle can follow more easily. Some spinal trays already include an introducer, so check the contents before ordering one separately.
5. Do the spinal and epidural trays contain medication?
Many do. Depending on the configuration, trays may include lidocaine HCl, bupivacaine HCl, or epinephrine. The product name and listing describe what each tray contains. Always verify medications against the order and follow facility protocol for storage, handling, and medication checks.
6. What is a loss-of-resistance (LOR) syringe used for?
An LOR syringe is attached to an epidural needle as it advances. The provider feels resistance while the needle is in ligament and a noticeable change when it enters the epidural space. BD Epilor syringes in this category hold 7 mL and are available with Luer-Lok or Luer slip tips.
7. Are these needles reusable?
No. The spinal needles, epidural needles, catheters, syringes, and trays in this category are sterile, single-use products. Dispose of them in an approved sharps container after use according to facility protocol.
Related Products
Hypodermic Needles: Standard hypodermic needles are useful for drawing up medications and for local skin infiltration before a neuraxial procedure.
Syringes Without Needles: Stock Luer syringes in a range of volumes for medication preparation and for pairing with spinal or epidural needles in custom setups.
Blunt Needles: Blunt fill needles help staff draw medication from vials and ampules while lowering the risk of accidental sticks during preparation.
Syringes and Needles: Browse the full syringes and needles collection to round out anesthesia carts, procedure rooms, and nursing units.
Keep your anesthesia and labor and delivery teams ready with Spinal & Epidural Needles from MedicalEx. Choose BD Quincke and Whitacre spinal needles, Weiss and Tuohy epidural needles, combined spinal-epidural sets, or complete sterile trays, all in one place. Compare gauges, lengths, and tray contents to find the right fit for your procedures, and explore our full Syringes and Needles collection for the supplies that go with them.