Insulin Syringe Sizes Explained: 40 Units vs 100 Units – A Buyer’s Guide for Clinics and Pharmacies
Jul 24 , 2025
As demand for diabetes care grows, insulin syringes remain a daily essential in hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics. But for bulk buyers and wholesalers, selecting the right syringe size can be more complex than expected — especially when considering clinical needs, patient types, and storage formats.
We compare 40-unit and 100-unit insulin syringes, explaining their uses, packaging preferences, and what procurement teams should know before placing large-scale orders.
What Do Insulin Syringe Sizes Actually Mean?
Insulin syringes are typically measured in units, which relate to the volume of insulin they can deliver.
40-Unit Syringe
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Holds 0.4 mL of insulin
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Often used in paediatric settings or for low-dose treatments
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Becoming less common, but still used in specific protocols
100-Unit Syringe
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Holds 1 mL of insulin
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Most common standard in adult diabetes care
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Preferred by hospitals and pharmacies for general use
1mL Syringe (Standard Volume Format)
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Equivalent to a 100-unit syringe
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Often labelled in mL rather than units for compatibility with various medical needs
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Useful for applications beyond insulin in broader clinical settings
Matching Syringe Sizes to Use Cases
Syringe Type
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Use Scenario
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Preferred Buyers
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40 Units (0.4 mL)
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Paediatric clinics, controlled dosing
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Paediatric hospitals, specialty clinics
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100 Units (1 mL)
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Standard adult insulin dosing
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Hospitals, pharmacies, general clinics
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1 mL (non-insulin)
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Broader medication use (customisable)
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Clinics, wholesalers, OEM partners
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* Tip for Procurement: When ordering, confirm whether units or volume is the dominant labelling format — especially important for international or OEM stock.
Packaging & Procurement Considerations
Large buyers often require syringes to match specific storage, handling, or branding needs. Custom options include:
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Unit-based labelling (40u/100u)
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Graduated mL scales
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Individual sterile blister packs
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Bulk sterile packaging for centralised hospital supply
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Private label printing for pharmacies or health networks
Why This Matters for Wholesalers and Buyers
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Avoid product mismatches: Ordering the wrong size can lead to stock wastage or clinical delays
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Enhance distribution efficiency: Custom packaging saves handling time
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Support end-user clarity: Clear, consistent labelling reduces administration errors
Need Help Choosing the Right Insulin Syringes?
We specialise in helping pharmacies, hospital groups, and wholesalers source insulin syringes in any size — with full customisation, volume pricing, and short lead times.
Contact us now to request a catalogue, quote, or product sample.
Let us help you streamline your medical supply chain, one syringe at a time.
+86-13950196535, 086-592-5566387
enquiry@ticarehealth.com
