This article possibly contains original research. (July 2010) |
A hypospray is a medical device in the science fiction television series Star Trek. It is similar to a jet injector, a real medical device, with the main difference being that the fictional medical device doesn't penetrate the skin.
| Hypospray | |
|---|---|
| Star Trek franchise element | |
| First appearance | Star Trek: The Original Series |
| Created by | Gene Roddenberry |
| Genre | Science fiction |
| In-universe information | |
| Type | Medical tool |
| Function | Used to inject medication into a patient's body |
| Affiliation | Starfleet |
The concept of the hypospray was developed when producers of the original Star Trek series discovered that NBC's broadcast standards and practices prohibited the use of hypodermic syringes to inject medications; the needleless hypospray sidestepped this issue.[1] The prop used in the original series appeared to be a modified fuel injector for a large automotive diesel engine, similar to the engines from which jet injectors were derived.[2]
In the Star Trek universe
editIn the Star Trek universe, the hypospray was developed by the mid-22nd century, since it is featured in Star Trek: Enterprise. Many characters use it, including Dr. Crusher in Star Trek: The Next Generation, and The Doctor in Star Trek: Voyager and Dr. McCoy in Star Trek: The Original Series.[citation needed]
The device applies medication by spraying it onto the skin, and can be used directly or through clothing.[3] The real-life jet injector is usually applied at the top of the arm, but the fictional hypospray is sometimes applied at the neck. It administers medication subcutaneously and intramuscularly.[4]
The hypospray is extremely versatile, as the medicine vials can be quickly swapped out from the bottom of the hypospray. As the hypospray is bloodless, it is not contaminated by use. This allows it to be used on many patients until the hypospray is depleted.
References
edit- ^ Whitfield SE, Roddenberry G (1991) [1969]. The Making of Star Trek. Titan Books. ISBN 1-85286-363-3.
- ^ "Hypospray". American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. 8 (3): 182–184. 1 June 1951. doi:10.1093/ajhp/8.3.182. ISSN 1079-2082.
- ^ "TREKNOSIS: Is There In Truth, No Hypospray?". Star Trek. Retrieved 8 October 2022.
- ^ Okuda, Michael; Okuda, Denise (2016). Star Trek encyclopedia: a reference guide to the future (Revised and expanded ed.). New York. ISBN 978-0-06-237132-4. OCLC 935985700.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)