Poll: What size angiocath do you usually use to start an IV?

[mikethern]

What size angiocath do you usually use to start an IV?

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

Nothing smaller than a 20 if i can help it.

[flightnurse2b, LPN]

18g or 20g is usually what I use

[crysobrn]

We use 18's on pretty much everyone. I work L&D. We may use a 20 if we know for sure they won't be delivering (ie a hyperem pt).

[GrumpyRN63, ADN, RN]

Depends on what it's needed for and size of available veins...usually like to use 20g on larger veins especially dorsum of hand, (like to generally avoid hands unless nothing suitable) lateral forearms, cephalic , then I use 22g for deeper, smaller veins , ie: inner wrist up to ( yet excluding) antecubital My BIG PET PEEVE, nurses using 22g or even 24g!!! in the antecub`

[prmenrs, RN]

24g Jelco's. 100% of the time.

[Djuna]

20g unless there is a likelihood of the patient requiring a blood transfusion or a trauma, then I'll use an 18g.

[angelique777]

My goal is always an 18gauge but often have to put a 20g or 22g because I had no other choice. Everything is relative to how good your access is.

Quick question at my hospital

Green =18

Pink=20

Blue =22

What size is a yellow gauge I got that color canula one day on a patient that transferred from another hospital to our cath lab and cath lab sent patient to me. Told me on report she had a 20gauge

When I got the patient she had a yellow canula what size is that????????????Just curious if someone knows.

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

My FT job is in the NICU, so when I'm on the ambulance or outside the NICU and someone suggests that I must be an IV king, my standard reply is, "Yep. I can put a 24 in anything."

[Kyrshamarks, BSN, RN]

The colors are industry standardized. Yellow is a 24 ga.

[TazziRN, RN]

18 or 20 on adults. Traumas got 18 or 16. I even sank a 14 once. I've seen a 12 but only in a display....ouch!

Children get whatever I can get in.

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

The colors are industry standardized. Yellow is a 24 ga.

Mostly "pink" but also "green". :rotfl:

steph;)