What is dead space in a syringe?

The liquid left behind in the needle and tip after the plunger is fully down. "Low dead space" designs waste less of it — which matters more the more expensive the contents.

Why it matters when you shop

Dead space is the liquid left in the needle hub and tip after the plunger is fully down. On a syringe with a detachable needle it can be 0.05–0.1 mL, which is most of a small draw. Fixed-needle insulin syringes are "low dead space" and waste almost nothing, which is why they are the tool for small amounts.

What to look for on the listing

  • "Fixed needle" or "integrated needle" for injecting small amounts.
  • "Low dead space" on detachable-needle syringes if you must use them.
  • Avoid drawing twice to reach an amount; each draw pays the dead-space cost.

Go deeper

Products with this specification

Insulin Syringes 31G, 0.5 mL Dead space: LowInsulin Syringes 31G, 0.3 mL Dead space: LowInsulin Syringes 30G, 1 mL Dead space: LowHalf-Unit Insulin Syringes, 0.3 mL Dead space: LowLuer-Lock Syringes, 3 mL Dead space: Standard10 mL Luer-Lock Syringes Dead space: Standard

Last edited . Equipment only: nothing on this page is advice about what to inject, how much, or whether a product is fit to use. That comes from the product's labelling and whoever supplied it. Product pages link to your own country's Amazon store through affiliate links; your price is the same.