Luer Lock vs. Luer Slip Syringes

German surgical instrument maker Hermann Luer invented Luer Lock and Luer Slip syringes in the late 1800s. He designed them to provide a leak-free connection between needles and syringes while maintaining a continuous fluid flow lumen.

Each syringe design offers distinct advantages that make it more suitable for certain applications. Read on to learn more about Luer Lock vs. Luer Slip syringes and find out which one is right for your application.

How Does a Luer Lock Tip Work?

At the tip of a Luer Lock syringe, you’ll find an internal thread where the needle attaches in a screw-like fashion. Turning the needle clockwise locks it in place. Turning counterclockwise allows it to detach.

The Benefits of a Luer Lock

The advantage of a Luer Lock design is that it creates a more secure attachment. This allows for the connection to sustain higher pressures with a reduced risk of leaks or pop-off. There are instances when a Luer Lock attachment may be the only compatible attachment to a component of a device.

It is recommended when using a needle with a Low Dead Space needle hub, to use a Luer Lock syringe for a secure fit and reduce the risk of pop-off, due to the shorter hub height.

How Does a Luer Slip Tip Work?

Luer Slip syringes use a friction-fit connection method. A needle’s hub is pushed onto the syringe tip in a twisting motion for a tight fit.

The Benefits of a Luer Slip

A Luer Slip design allows for a needle to be conveniently attached more quickly. Repeated twisting required to secure Luer Lock needles may lead to faster hand fatigue compared to the simpler push-fit design of Luer Slip syringes. The potential lower manufacturing costs for Luer Slip syringes may also make them a more cost-effective option.

In addition, there are occasionally components of devices, such as valves or tubing, that are only compatible with Luer Slip tips in specific applications.

ISO Standards: Luer Lock vs. Luer Slip

Luer Lock and Luer Slip syringes both conform to multiple ISO standards, including ISO 80369—Small-Bore Connectors. The Luer fitting ensures compatibility between any ISO syringe and any ISO needle (or other attachments, such as tubing and valves).

Both Luer Lock and Luer Slip syringes comply with the same family of ISO standards. ISO 80369 guarantees that one manufacturer’s syringe can be used with another manufacturer’s needle. The “cone” shape and 6% taper of the Luer are standardized within tolerances. Luer Lock syringes also have specific thread pitch and size parameters.

ISO 80369 covers several features:

Luer Slip

• Length of taper
• Tip diameter (inside and outside)
• Tip radius 

Luer Lock

Same as Luer Slip, plus:

• Angle, pitch, and width of the internal thread
• Length and diameter of thread collar
• Projection of the tip from the thread collar
  

It’s worth noting that ISO standards are revised every few years to ensure optimal performance.

Luer Lock vs. Luer Slip: Side-by-Side Comparison

To help clarify which design may be best for your needs, here’s a side-by-side comparison of key features:

How to Order a Luer Lock Compatible Needle

ISO standards also govern needle hubs. Standard hypodermic needles fit Luer Slip and Luer Lock syringes.

Standardized fittings also apply to “Luer” connections for tubing, catheter connections, stopcocks, adaptors, and compounding adaptors.

As a general rule, all of our hypodermic-style needle hubs work on all Luer Lock and Luer Slip syringe tips.

Luer Lock Product Options

There are various options available, such as:

	Air-Tite Luer Lock Syringes Air-Tite Luer Lock Syringes are for veterinary and laboratory use only. They’re economical yet made from high-quality parts. We manufacture Air-Tite Luer Lock Syringes in China to our exacting standards before individually packaging them for sterility.
	Set Medikal INJECT 3-Part Syringes Set Medikal 3-Part Syringes, manufactured in Turkey and 510K registered for human medical use, are designed for precision, safety, and comfort. Made from polypropylene with glass-like transparency, they feature a latex-free isoprene rubber gasket and silicone oil lubrication for smooth piston movement, along with a stop-point mechanism to prevent accidental removal.
	2-Part Luer Lock Syringes These Henke-Ject® and NORM-JECT® latex-free syringes do not contain silicone oil, styrene, DEHP, or rubber. They’re ideal for applications that require a non-reactive, inert syringe. These syringes are sterile-strip, individually packed.

Luer Slip Product Options

	Air-Tite Luer Slip Syringes These syringes are for laboratory and veterinary use only. We manufacture in China to our exacting standards and use the highest quality components. These syringes are highly economical and packaged individually in sterile poly bags.
	2-Part Luer Slip These latex-free NORM-JECT® and Henke-Ject® syringes do not contain styrene, silicone oil, DEHP, or rubber. They’re made out of laboratory-grade polyethylene and polypropylene and are more chemically resistant than a rubber-tipped syringe.
	EZ-DOSE SYRINGES EZ-Dose is designed to deliver exceptional control and consistency. Designed for Lab and Veterinary use only, EZ-Dose is also made with eco-conscious materials to support more sustainable practices without compromising quality, this syringe reflects our commitment to safety, precision, and environmental responsibility.

Need Help Choosing the Right Syringe? 

At Air-Tite, we carry a wide range of Luer Lock and Luer Slip syringes. Most options are available through our national distribution partners. To learn more, please contact us for cross-reference information.

You can also reach out to speak with one of our specialists if you’re not sure which syringe is right for your application.

If you’d like to learn more about 2-Part and 3-Part syringes, please click the button below.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A 2-PART AND 3-PART SYRINGE