IV insertion: 20 gauge vs 22 gauge

[mariaconcetta]

For general anesthesia patients we have to use 20 gauge IV's . Most of our patients get conscious sedation and we use 22's. Today I missed two patients IV 's using 20's, got a great flash but couldn't thread. Both were hand sites I missed ,but got them in the AC's. My question is do I need to do anything different when using 20 gauge IV's?

[Guest219794]

For general anesthesia patients we have to use 20 gauge IV's . Most of our patients get conscious sedation and we use 22's. Today I missed two patients IV 's using 20's, got a great flash but couldn't thread. Both were hand sites I missed ,but got them in the AC's. My question is do I need to do anything different when using 20 gauge IV's?

Missed the hands, got the ACs.

Seems more likely the gauge needle has far less to do with it than the vein choice.

But, an earlier poster made sense about bevel difference, and being in or out of the vein.

When you get a flash, are you advancing a bit farther?

Also- try this: Catheter won't advance. Empty a bit out of a flush, hook to catheter. Pull back gently on the plunger as you slowly withdraw the catheter until you get good blood flow. Then advance the catheter as you depress the plunger.