4　Classification

4.1　The configuration of the acupuncture needle and the name of each of its parts are shown in Figure 1.

4.2　The acupuncture needle includes two types,one with guide tube and another without guide tube.The acupuncture needle with guide tube is shown in Figure 2.

Figure2　Sterile Acupuncture Need le(w ith Guide Tube)

Note:No uniform requirement is provided for the fixing method ofneedle tube as shown in Figure 2.

4.3　The types of needle handles are the ring handle,the plain handle,the flower handle,the metal tube handle,and the plastic handle.The types of acupuncture needles are shown in Figure 3 below.

Figure3　The Types of Acupuncture Need les

Note:The types ofneedles in the above figure show certain kinds of typical structures.There are no uniform regulations regarding themethod ofusing guide tubes to stabilize the needle.

4.4　The specifications of the acupuncture needle aremarked as:needle diameter×needle length. Example:φ0.30mm×40mm

4.5　The basic dimensions and tolerance of acupuncture needles should comply with Tables 1～4.

4.5.1　The needle diameter should comply with Table 1.

Table1　Basic M easurement of Needle Diameter(mm)

4.5.2　The needle length should comply with Table 2.

Table2　Basic Measurement of Needle Length(mm)

4.5.3　The length of the needle handle should be no less than 13mm.

4.5.4　The specifications of the coiling handle wire should comply with Table 3.The diameter of the plastic handle and themetal tube handle should comply with Table 4.

Table3　Diameter of the Coiling Hand leW ire(mm)

Table4　Diameter of the Plastic Handle and the M etal Tube Handle(mm)