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You can’t use an insulin pen without the right needles. If you’re like others who prefer insulin pens, you might have learned about BD Ultra-Fine pen needles, one of the top selling brands in the United States (now rolled into the embecta brand).
Marketed as ultra-thin, comfortable, and reliable, these needles are a go-to for a lot of people. However, before you pick your next box, you might want to know how needle size affects comfort, what the various Ultra-Fine options offer, and how to use them safely.
From BD to embecta: What's Changing, and What Isn't
In April 2022, BD spun off its diabetes injection devices division, creating a new company called embecta. Now, BD Ultra-Fine pen needles fall under the embecta umbrella.
The good news: the manufacturing process and materials haven't changed. They're still made in the same facilities with the same quality control standards. Essentially, you're still getting the same trusted product, just in a slightly different packaging.
Needle Gauge and Length
When you're shopping for pen needles, two specs matter most: gauge (thickness) and length (how deep the needle goes). These affect how comfortable the shot feels and how you administer your insulin.
Gauge is the thickness of the needle, with higher gauges meaning thinner needles. For example, 32G is thinner than 29G. Thinner needles usually hurt less, which may be preferred if you’re injecting multiple times a day. However, super-thin needles might slow down the flow of thicker insulins.
Length tells you how far the needle goes in. Shorter needles usually mean you don’t have to pinch your skin. They also lower the chance of hitting muscle instead of fat, which can ensure the insulin gets absorbed correctly.
Embecta / BD Ultra-Fine Pen Needles
The BD Ultra-Fine pen needle family includes a full range of lengths and gauges to fit different preferences, body types, and injection techniques. The different types of BD Ultra-Fine pen needles are compatible with most insulin pens and syringes sold in the U.S.
Available Options
BD Nano Ultra-Fine (4 mm x 32G): The shortest and most popular option. It’s preferred for comfort and accuracy, making injections easy without needing to pinch the skin.
BD Embecta Nano Ultra Fine Pen Needles - 32G 4mm - BX 90 (formerly BD)
$ 33.40
$ 41.75
The Nano Ultra-Fine Pen Needles 4mm 32G are part of the Ultra-Fine family of Embecta pen needles, manufactured by BD, to fit all diabetes pens and dosers available commercially in the United States. No need to worry about attaching the… read more
BD Ultra-Fine Mini (5 mm x 31G): Slightly longer than the Nano, this one works well for people who prefer a deeper injection or have thicker skin.
Ultra-Fine III Mini Pen Needles - 31G 3/16" - BX 90
$ 32.29
$ 40.36
Ultra Fine pen needles are designed for safety and comfort. Embecta Ultra-Fine III pen needles are the shortest insulin pen needles in the world. Designed to be safely used by both adults and small children for comfortable insulin injections. All… read more
- BD Ultra-Fine Short (8 mm x 31G): A familiar option for those who’ve used longer needles in the past. It gives a smooth injection experience with a thinner, modern feel.
BD Embecta Ultra-fine Short Pen Needles - 31G X 8mm (5/16") - Box of 100 (formerly BD)
$ 84.86
$ 106.08
100/BX. Ultra Fine Short Insulin Pen Needles coated with special Micro-Bonded lubrication for a more comfortable injection- This Insulin Pen Needle provides reliable injections for all patients with no pinch-up of skin required- The Ultra Fine III Short Insulin Pen… read more
BD Ultra-Fine Original (12.7 mm x 29G): The classic long needle that some still prefer for comfort or specific medical needs. It’s tried and true, especially for those used to traditional pen needles.
BD Ultra-Fine Original Pen Needles - 29G 1/2" - BX 90 - Case of 5
$ 150.70
$ 188.38
BD Ultra Fine original pen needles are designed for safety and comfort. The BD Ultra-Fine Original Pen Needles are BD's widest inner diameter, pen needle. They are a good choice for people with dexterity problems or those who need larger… read more
No matter which size you choose, BD Ultra-Fine pen needles are made to make injections quick, easy, and comfortable. Everyone’s different, you might want to try a few to see which length feels best.
Using Ultra-Fine Pen Needles Safely And Effectively
Getting the most out of BD Ultra-Fine pen needles isn’t just about picking the right size. It’s also about using the right technique. A few small habits can help make it more comfortable to inject insulin and ensure you’re getting the full benefits of it.
Use a new needle each time: Reusing dulls the tip and may increase your risk of infection or lumpy or hard spots at injection sites (lipohypertrophy). Insulin needles are made for single use, so dispose of them after every shot.
Prep your skin. Clean the injection site with an alcohol wipe and let it dry before injecting. Going in too soon can cause stinging or irritation.
Check your injection technique.
For 4 mm or 5 mm needles, go straight in at a 90-degree angle, no need to pinch the skin.
For longer needles (6 mm or more), gently pinch up a small fold of skin before injecting to avoid hitting muscle.
Hold the pen in place for about 5–10 seconds after pressing the plunger to make sure all the insulin goes in and doesn’t leak back out.
Rotate your injection sites. Switching up where you inject, such as your abdomen, thighs, or upper arms, helps prevent lumps or thickened skin.
Dispose of needles safely. Never recap or reuse used needles. Drop them into a proper sharps container or follow your local disposal guidelines. Some containers even have slots made for pen needles.
A good routine is key when injecting insulin. With a bit of practice, using pen needles can become second nature.
When To Speak To Your Provider Or Diabetes Educator
Contact your healthcare team if you run into any injection problems with BD ultra-fine pen needles. Pain, bleeding, or insulin leaking from the site could all mean something is off.
Call your provider if you have:
Pain during or after injections that persists or worsens
Insulin leaking from the injection site
Blood sugar changes you can’t explain
Lipohypertrophy
Frequent bruising or bleeding
Trouble getting the needle in
If your blood sugar levels start changing sporadically, maybe the insulin isn’t getting where it needs to go. For example, injecting too deep into the muscle can cause insulin to not work as well, which can affect your numbers.
Your diabetes educator can help you pick the right needle length and gauge. They’ll also check your injection technique to make sure you’re getting the full dose.
Think about scheduling a visit if you’re:
Switching to a new insulin
Starting higher doses
Having issues with your current needles
Curious about shorter or thinner needles
Bottom Line
BD Ultra-Fine pen needles, now part of the embecta brand, are still the same reliable, comfortable needles many people have trusted for years. While the Nano Ultra-Fine and Ultra-Fine Micro needles are the most popular, there’s a range of sizes to choose from, depending on your preferences.
What’s key is using them correctly. For example, remember to always use a new needle, rotate where you inject, and take a few extra seconds to make sure all the insulin goes in. If something feels off or you’re not sure which size is best, your doctor or diabetes educator can help you find the most comfortable fit.
Sources:
Insulin Pens, American Diabetes Association (n.d.)
The Injection Technique Factor: What You Don’t Know or Teach Can Make a Difference, Clinical Diabetes (2019)
Improvement of Insulin Injection Technique: Examination of Current Issues and Recommendations, Diabetes Education (2016)
Insulin Routines, American Diabetes Association (n.d.)
FAQs
Can I use BD Ultra-Fine pen needles with any insulin pen?
Yes. BD (now embecta) Ultra-Fine pen needles are compatible with most insulin pens sold in the United States, including those from major insulin brands.
What needle size is best for me?
It depends on your comfort and body type. The 4 mm Nano Ultra-Fine is the most popular for its comfort and ease of use, while longer options like the 6 mm or 8 mm may work better for those who prefer a deeper injection.
Do I need to pinch my skin when injecting insulin?
If you’re using a 4 mm or 5 mm needle, you don’t need to pinch your skin. Instead, you can inject straight at a 90° angle. For longer needles (6 mm or more), gently pinch up a fold of skin before injecting.
Can I reuse pen needles?
No. Pen needles are meant to be used for one time only. Reusing them can dull the tip, increase pain, and increase the risk of infection or lumps under the skin.
