Röchling Medical Lancaster revolutionized smallpox vaccination when it introduced the bifurcated needle in the 1960s, when still operating as Precision Medical Products (PMP). Before this, healthcare workers relied on unpredictable jet injectors that slowed vaccine delivery.
Bifurcated needles have led to the eradication of smallpox in humans, a major achievement in the medical world.
Our team of machinists and metalworkers perfected bulk manufacturing of the needles. After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Röchling Medical produced enough bifurcated needles (400 million) in one year to inoculate the entire nation.
Because of their ease of use, bifurcated needles are also used in skin-prick allergy testing. Today, we remain the world's leading supplier of bifurcated needles and continue to manufacture thousands of them for allergy testing by hospitals, immunologists, and allergists, and for vaccination.
The bifurcated needle was designed to hold a dose of reconstituted smallpox vaccine in its prongs and easily punctures the skin to the ideal depth for delivery.
Bifurcated needles are highly suitable for skin-prick allergy tests. The needles are inexpensive, minimally invasive, and produce results in 15 to 20 minutes. Because they are easy to use, they can deliver highly reproducible results in the hands of trained professionals.
Röchling Medical designs and manufactures all needles to tight tolerances, and we have strict quality control measures in place to ensure all of our products meet or exceed regulations. Röchling Medical is the only current manufacturer of ISO 13485:2016-certified bifurcated needles approved by the FDA.
Our customers benefit from our extensive expertise in plastics and metal processing, but also from our many years of experience in medical technology and pharma. As your solution partner, we are familiar with both the regulatory and practical requirements of creating components and products for the healthcare sector tailored to your needs. We meet the highest quality and hygiene standards and operate in strict compliance with relevant regulations, such as the Medical Device Regulation (MDR).
For more information about our bifurcated needles, please contact our team. We look forward to hearing from you.
Bill Ruth
Vice President - Sales & Marketing