Made of plastic, these syringes are shatter resistant and suitable for use with a variety of liquids. However, they’re not as scratch resistant as glass or stainless steel syringes and less precise than glass ones.

Syringes with a luer lock connection have a more secure needle connection than syringes with a luer slip connection. They connect to needles with a luer lock connection to dispense contents. Twist the needle into place to secure the hold. Syringes with a luer slip connection connect to needles with a luer lock connection simply by sliding the needle onto the fitting—it will be held in place by friction rather than a locking mechanism.

Autoclavable syringes can be sterilized for reuse. Repeated sterilization may lead to discoloration over time.