Fistula Needle

AV Fistula Needles for Haemodialysis

An AV fistula needle is a sterile, single-use needle set used to access a patient's arteriovenous (AV) fistula or graft during haemodialysis. Each set has a thin-walled stainless steel needle, butterfly wings for handling and taping, flexible tubing with a clamp, and a Luer connector that attaches to the dialysis blood lines.

Every dialysis session uses two needles. The arterial needle draws blood from the access to the dialyser, and the venous needle returns filtered blood to the patient. This is why fistula needles are usually sold and priced in pairs, and many sets distinguish the arterial and venous needle by colour. Medikabazaar stocks AV fistula needles from Nipro, Polymed, Vital, Browndove and White Plus for hospital dialysis units and standalone dialysis centres.

 

Fistula Needle Gauge and Blood Flow Rate

Fistula needles are commonly available in 14G to 17G. A lower gauge number means a wider needle, which supports a higher blood flow rate. The ranges below are widely cited guidance; the gauge for each session should follow the dialysis prescription and the unit's cannulation protocol.

Gauge	Commonly cited blood flow rate	Typical use
17G	Up to about 250 mL/min	New or fragile fistulas, first cannulations, smaller vessels
16G	About 250 to 350 mL/min	Developing or smaller mature fistulas
15G	About 350 to 450 mL/min	Mature fistulas in routine adult dialysis
14G	Above about 450 mL/min	High blood flow prescriptions in well-developed accesses

 

Wing colour often indicates gauge, but colour codes vary between manufacturers, so always confirm the gauge printed on the pack.

 

Types of AV Fistula Needles

 

Standard Sharp Fistula Needles

Standard needles have a sharp, bevelled stainless steel tip and are used for routine rope-ladder or area cannulation. Most have a back eye and a siliconised surface to ease insertion. The Vital disposable AV fistula needle set, available in 16G and 17G, is an example, with an ultra-thin-wall needle, a colour-coded hub and DEHP-free tubing.

 

Fixed-Wing and Rotating-Wing Needles

Fixed wings hold the needle at a set bevel orientation and are simple to tape. Rotating wings let the needle turn within the wing hub, so it can be repositioned or flipped without re-taping the wings. Twin packs, such as the Polymed fixed-wing twin pack fistula needle, supply an arterial and venous needle together.

 

Buttonhole (Blunt) Needles

Buttonhole needles have a blunt tip and are used only in an established buttonhole tunnel. The tunnel is first created by repeated cannulation at the same spot with sharp needles; once it has formed, blunt needles follow the same track with less tissue damage.

 

Safety Fistula Needles

Safety fistula needles include a built-in guard or shield that covers the needle tip after removal, reducing the risk of needlestick injury to staff. They cost more per pair than standard needles.

 

Features to Compare

• Wall thickness: thin-wall and ultra-thin-wall needles have a larger internal diameter for the same gauge, which supports blood flow and lowers pressure.
• Back eye: a side hole near the tip that keeps blood flowing if the bevel rests against the vessel wall.
• Siliconised needle: a silicone coating that reduces friction during insertion.
• Bevel: a sharp, precisely ground bevel for smooth cannulation.
• Wings: fixed or rotating; colour-coded for gauge identification.
• Tubing: kink-resistant, often DEHP-free, in different lengths, with a reliable clamp.
• Connector: a secure Luer lock that fits your blood line set.

 

How to Choose AV Fistula Needles

1. Gauge: stock the gauges your unit prescribes, usually 17G and 16G for newer accesses and 15G for mature fistulas.
2. Needle type: standard sharp needles for most patients, blunt needles for patients on buttonhole cannulation, and safety needles where needlestick protection is a priority.
3. Wing and tubing design: match staff preference for fixed or rotating wings, and check tubing length against your chair and machine layout.
4. Compatibility: confirm the connector fits your blood lines.
5. Pack format: pairs, twin packs or bulk boxes, depending on monthly dialysis sessions.
6. Labelling and sterility: sterile, single-use, with batch number, expiry date and manufacturer details on every unit.

 

AV Fistula Needle Price in India

AV fistula needles are usually priced per pair, because each session uses one arterial and one venous needle. Price depends on the brand, gauge, needle type and pack size. Standard sharp needles are the most economical, while safety and buttonhole needles cost more. Bulk boxes, such as packs of several hundred pairs, lower the cost per session for dialysis units. Compare the price per pair, including options like the Nipro AV fistula needles, and check the listing above for current prices.

 

Buy AV Fistula Needles Online at Medikabazaar

Use the filters on this page to compare fistula needles by brand and price, then open a product to check its gauge options, wing type and pack size. Medikabazaar supplies hospital dialysis units, standalone dialysis centres and nephrology departments across India, with bulk pricing for regular orders. Delivery, payment and replacement terms are shown on each product page. For patient-focused information about AV fistulas and their care, read our guide to the types of fistula and fistula needles.