21G vs 23G Butterfly Needles: Which One is Right for Your Clinic?

Butterfly needles, also known as winged infusion sets, are widely used in hospitals, labs, and outpatient clinics for drawing blood or delivering medications. But which gauge should you choose — 21G or 23G?
The 21G butterfly needle (such as BD 367281) offers a wider diameter, allowing for faster blood flow. It’s ideal for adult patients with good vein access and is commonly used in routine phlebotomy.
On the other hand, the 23G butterfly needle (like BD 367283) is thinner, making it perfect for pediatric, geriatric, or patients with small or fragile veins. The smaller gauge minimizes discomfort and reduces the risk of vein collapse.
Both are available in sterile, single-use packaging and are compatible with BD Vacutainer systems. At MUDOMED, we stock these products in bulk (100–400 packs), ready for fast shipping anywhere in the U.S.
Looking for a safer alternative? We also carry Safety Lok butterfly sets with built-in needle stick protection.