Selecting an IV Catheter is an essential task for healthcare professionals. It can be unclear to navigate the various options available, particularly when understanding and interpreting information from the provided gauge, colors, and charts. To make this process easier and more streamlined, we’ve created a comprehensive guide on choosing the suitable IV catheter for your needs.
Our guide covers everything from selecting based on the size/gauge of the catheters, color coding advantages & disadvantages with tips and tricks for each application type, and helpful tables that make it easy to compare measurements. Read on to learn all you need to know about choosing the suitable IV Catheter.
Table of Contents
10 Reasons Why Is Gauge Size Important?
- Selecting the right gauge size for a catheter ensures proper blood flow, as a larger gauge will yield more efficient delivery of medication or fluids.
- Smaller gauge sizes increase the risk of clotting or embolism due to inadequate flow, which can be dangerous for patients.
- The more significant the diameter, the more fluid can pass through it in a given time frame, meaning larger gauge catheters are ideal for high-flow situations such as rapid fluid transfusions.
- Different gauge sizes also differ in insertion difficulty, with larger gauges requiring more force and care to get them into the vein properly.
- If a patient has small veins or is otherwise fragile, selecting a smaller gauge size can make the insertion process more accessible and less intrusive.
- Gauge size is an essential factor when selecting an IV Catheter as it will determine the overall flow rate of the catheter, as well as how easy or difficult it is to insert.
- Large gauge sizes are better suited for long-term use since they are less prone to clotting, more durable, and resistant to wear and tear.
- Smaller gauges are more comfortable for patients in the short term, as they are less intrusive and can be inserted with minimal force.
- Selecting the right size gauge is crucial to ensure proper and effective delivery of medication or fluids and prevent any potential complications due to incorrect size selection.
- Ultimately, selecting an IV catheter based on the individual’s needs and circumstances is essential, as different patients may have additional requirements.
IV CATHETER STANDARD SIZE
IV needles have a standardized range of gauge sizes, from 14 to 26. The medical industry has established rules and recommendations for using each gauge size. These include:
14 Gauges
The IV catheter diameter of these needles is 2.1 mm, perhaps the broadest available type. A 14-gauge IV is used during surgeries and rapid blood transfusions.
16 Gauges
This needle size has a diameter of 1.7 mm, which makes it an ideal choice for long-term IV therapy due to its increased flow rate and resistance to clotting.
17 Gauges
This has a diameter of 1.5 mm and is the most commonly used for regular IV therapy, although it may be too big for fragile patients.
18 Gauges
The diameter of this size is 1.3 mm, making it the most common one used in general clinical settings, including for IV insertion and chemotherapy sessions.
20 Gauges
These needles have a diameter of 1 mm, making them appropriate for peripheral intravenous access when more precision is required.
22 Gauges
This 22-gauge IV is often used for regular infusions despite its 0.9-mm diameter, which can be too narrow for blood to pass through. It may even be utilized in some hospitals and clinics for routine (non-urgent) blood transfusions. Moreover, these needles are ideal when a patient doesn’t require a lot of fluids and when treating elderly or young children.
24 Gauges
This is the narrowest and smallest needle size available, with a diameter of 0.7 mm. These are usually used for short-term infusions or injections when a patient needs to receive minimal amounts of medication or fluids.
26 Gauges
The diameter of 26-gauge needles is 0.6 mm, making them even more precise and minimal than 24-gauge needles. These are usually only used for precise injections or infusions requiring only a few drops of medication or fluids.
IV Gauge Color Coding
A color-coding system is in place to identify the different sizes of catheters, with each size having its distinct shade.
The colors available include orange (14-gauge), gray (16), white (17-gauge), green (18-gauge), pink (20-gauge), blue (22-gauge), yellow (24-gauge) and violet (26-gauge).
Advantage
The primary purpose of this system is to make it easier for healthcare professionals to quickly identify the gauge size needed without having to read labels or consult charts. Selecting the right color ensures you use the optimal size for your patient’s needs.
Selecting the right gauge size for an IV catheter is an important decision that can make a big difference in terms of patients’ comfort and safety. Different sizes offer different benefits and present additional risks, and healthcare professionals should consider all these factors before making a choice. Using the color code system and iv size mnemonic can help ensure you select the correct size each time. Ultimately, always using the highest quality IV catheters is essential for optimal performance and patient care.
By following these steps, you can help reduce the risk of any potential complications associated with incorrect gauge selection and ensure that your patient receives optimal care.
Frequently Asked Question
Which IV cannula is the largest?
14G (Orange): The 14G IV cannula is the largest size available and is typically used for emergencies or when large amounts of fluid or blood must be administered quickly.
Which cannula is mostly used?
Peripheral IV cannula: The peripheral IV cannula is the most commonly used type of IV cannula. It is inserted into a vein in the arm or hand and can remain in place for several days.
Which cannula is the smallest?
The peripheral cannula, the smallest IV cannula, is primarily utilized for administering blood transfusions.
Final Words
Selecting the right gauge size for an IV catheter is an important decision that can make a big difference in terms of patients’ comfort and safety. Different sizes offer different benefits and present additional risks, and healthcare professionals should consider all these factors before making a choice.
Using the color code system and iv size mnemonic can help ensure you select the correct size each time. Ultimately, always using the highest quality IV catheters is essential for optimal performance and patient care.
By following these steps, you can help reduce the risk of any potential complications associated with incorrect gauge selection and ensure that your patient receives optimal care.
Mrs. Marie Brown has been a registered nurse for over 25 years. She began her nursing career at a Level I Trauma Center in downtown Chicago, Illinois. There she worked in the Emergency Department and on the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. After several years, she moved to the Midwest and continued her nursing career in a critical care setting. For the last 10 years of her nursing career, Mrs. Brown worked as a flight nurse with an air ambulance service. During this time, she cared for patients throughout the United States.