While many people assume that syringes and needles are one and the same, the truth is there are a few key differences between these two pieces of medical gear. A syringe is a piece of medical equipment that’s typically made of three parts – a barrel, a plunger, and a needle. A syringe can be used with a needle to deliver injectable medication into a vein or muscle, or it can be used without the needle – for example, in an oral application.
In contrast, a needle is the sharp metal tip that is so often attached to a syringe that delivers medication. Most often, these devices are available as a syringe and needle combination.