Bifurcated needle
Bifurcated Needle
The Bifurcated Needle (pronunciation: bi·fur·cat·ed \ bī-ˈfər-ˌkā-təd \ needle) is a medical instrument used primarily in the administration of smallpox vaccines. The term "bifurcated" originates from the Latin "bifurcus", meaning "two-pronged", which describes the needle's unique design.
Description
The Bifurcated Needle is a small, stainless steel instrument, approximately 2.5 inches in length. The needle's distinguishing feature is its two-pronged, fork-like tip, which is designed to hold a droplet of vaccine between its prongs. This design allows for a more efficient and effective delivery of the vaccine into the skin.
Usage
The Bifurcated Needle is used in a process known as scarification, a method of vaccination that involves making multiple punctures in the skin to deliver the vaccine. This method is most commonly associated with the smallpox vaccine, but can also be used for other vaccines.
History
The Bifurcated Needle was developed in the 1960s by Benjamin Rubin, a medical researcher at Wyeth Laboratories. Rubin's design was a significant improvement over previous vaccination methods, and played a crucial role in the global smallpox eradication campaign led by the World Health Organization.
Related Terms
- Vaccination
- Scarification
- Smallpox
- Smallpox eradication
- Benjamin Rubin
- Wyeth Laboratories
- World Health Organization
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bifurcated needle
- Wikipedia's article - Bifurcated needle
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