Written and maintained by CASRAI Editorial Board
Last updated
This page describes products and general use; it is not medical advice.
Who uses it: clinic and hospital staff who handle suction equipment, buyers reading product listings, and students learning the parts of a suction set.
What a Yankauer suction tip is
A Yankauer suction tip is a rigid, handheld suction tip that connects to flexible tubing and an external vacuum source so body fluids can be aspirated or removed. In US regulation it falls under FDA product code JOL, “Catheter And Tip, Suction”, a Class II device under 21 CFR 880.6740 (openFDA classification record, last updated 2026-10-19; regulation text checked 2026-10-30).
Regulatory identity at a glance:
- Product code: JOL, device name “Catheter And Tip, Suction”
- Device class: 2, regulation number 880.6740, review panel HO (General Hospital)
- Not implantable and not life-sustaining or life-supporting; summary malfunction reporting: eligible
- The regulation exempts the generic type from 510(k) premarket notification, subject to the limitations in 21 CFR 880.9
How it is built
The regulation describes the generic device as powered by an external source of vacuum. A Yankauer tip is one rigid component in that set. The same generic type lists vacuum regulators, vacuum collection bottles, connecting flexible aspirating tubes, specimen traps, noninvasive tubing and suction regulators with gauge. For the other parts of the set, see what a suction canister is and vacuum regulator types and modes.
One manufacturer (DeRoyal, product page checked 2026-10-30) describes its Yankauers as constructed of shatter-resistant plastic and not made from natural rubber latex. Stainless steel versions also exist: AccessGUDID records include a stainless steel Yankauer tip and a large half-curved Yankauer tube with a finger valve and a hollow handle, 10-3/4 in (27.3 cm) long.
Types and variants
The table below uses the variants listed on the DeRoyal product page (checked 2026-10-30). Other manufacturers may differ.
| Variant | Vent option | Key difference (as described by the manufacturer) |
|---|---|---|
| Bulbous tip | Vented or non-vented | Bulbous tip shape offered in both vent options |
| Tapered bulbous tip | Vented or non-vented | Tapered version of the bulbous shape |
| Straight tip | Vented or non-vented | Less bulk, which the manufacturer says allows better visibility |
| Bulb tip with on/off switch | Switch-controlled | Listed as a separate variant with an on/off switch |
| Tapered bulbous, non-vented, with pre-attached tubing | Non-vented | Supplied with 1/4 in (6 mm) tubing in 6 ft (1.8 m), 9 ft (2.7 m) or 12 ft (3.7 m) lengths |
Vented and non-vented
A vented tip has a control vent for intermittent or continuous suction control, according to the DeRoyal page. A non-vented tip does not have that vent.
Sterile, non-sterile and reprocessed labeling
Labelers declare different sterility states in AccessGUDID. These are examples of how labelers describe their products, not a market survey:
| Example listing | As declared |
|---|---|
| Surtex, Yankauer suction tip, stainless steel | Not sterile as supplied; no sterilization prior to use stated as required |
| V. Mueller (CareFusion), Yankauer suction tube, half-curved, large, finger valve | Non-sterile as supplied; sterilization prior to use true; method moist heat or steam sterilization |
| Medichoice (Owens & Minor), Yankauer suction bulb tip, non-vented, polyvinyl chloride, blue | Sterile; not made with natural rubber latex |
Sizes and specifications that matter
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-attached tubing diameter | 1/4 in (6 mm) | DeRoyal product page |
| Pre-attached tubing lengths | 6 ft (1.8 m), 9 ft (2.7 m), 12 ft (3.7 m) | DeRoyal product page |
| Length of one half-curved large Yankauer example | 10-3/4 in (27.3 cm) | AccessGUDID record, V. Mueller |
How to choose
Criteria that manufacturers and regulators state for these products:
- Vent: the manufacturer offers a control vent for intermittent or continuous suction control, and non-vented versions without it (DeRoyal).
- Tip profile: the manufacturer states that a straight tip has less bulk and allows better visibility (DeRoyal).
- Sterile or reprocess: read the labeled state. Some listings are sterile as supplied, others are non-sterile and declare steam sterilization before use (AccessGUDID).
- Latex: the labeling states whether the product is made with natural rubber latex.
Safe use and handling basics
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use for the exact product. General points: the device is powered by an external vacuum source, so it works as part of a set with regulator, tubing and collection container; the sterility and reprocessing statement on the label tells you whether the tip is used as supplied or processed first. This page does not give clinical technique.
Common mistakes
- Treating every Yankauer as vented. The manufacturer lists vented and non-vented versions of each shape.
- Assuming steel and plastic tips are handled alike. Labelers declare different sterility and reprocessing statements, so follow each label.
- Looking for a separate regulation for catheters and tips. 21 CFR 880.6740 covers suction catheters and tips, and rigid suction tips, in one generic type.
- Assuming Class II means a 510(k) is needed. The regulation exempts this generic type from 510(k), subject to 21 CFR 880.9.
FAQ
What is a suction catheter?
A suction catheter is a device used with an external vacuum to aspirate body fluids. 21 CFR 880.6740 lists “suction catheters and tips” and “rigid suction tips” in the same generic type, so a Yankauer (a rigid tip) and a flexible suction catheter share one regulation. For a catheter example, see whistle tip catheters.
What FDA class is a Yankauer suction tip?
Class II under product code JOL and 21 CFR 880.6740, exempt from 510(k) subject to 21 CFR 880.9.
Related: water aspirators, respiratory therapy equipment, medical cart accessories.
Sources
- openFDA device classification, product code JOL: https://api.fda.gov/device/classification.json?search=product_code:JOL (checked 2026-10-30)
- 21 CFR 880.6740, Vacuum-powered body fluid suction apparatus: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/880.6740 (checked 2026-10-30)
- openFDA / AccessGUDID device records for JOL: https://api.fda.gov/device/udi.json?search=product_codes.code:JOL+AND+device_description:yankauer (checked 2026-10-30)
- DeRoyal Yankauers product page: https://www.deroyal.com/products/search-catalog-item/yankauers (checked 2026-10-30)
