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

[mikethern]

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

[Christie RN2006]

I always try for at least an 18-20. The only time I will use a 22 is when they have absolutely awful veins and know for a fact that they will not be receiving blood. If the pt has great veins then we will try to use twin caths.

[Burnt Out, ASN, RN]

I always try to put a 20 gu in but will use a 22 or 24 if I have too. I will use 18 gu if their admitting dx leads me to think they may get a transfusion.

[LDRNMOMMY, BSN, RN]

In L&D 18 gauge is preferable. I don't like to go smaller than a 20 ga. if I can help it.

[lil' girl, LPN]

We almost always use a 22.

[Dolce, RN]

For a general admission I put in a 20. If I believe they need a transfusion they get an 18. For those little old folks with poor access blood can be given through a 20 gauge catheter.

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

I'm a 20 girl.

[not now, RN]

20 or 22.

The 20's are longer than the 22's so if they have good veins that curve too much for a 20 I'll throw in a 22. I'm pretty new with IV's (I didn't put in IV's as an LVN) so I rarely try for an 18. Actually, on the med/surg floor I was on an 18 was rarely used. On my new floor (step down ICU) it's a whole lot of central/PICC lines or really crappy veins with 22's/24's in place.

[RedCell]

Usually drop in 16's when I see the dudes in preop. They never let me down when I really need them. Besides, I have always liked the color the way it glistens through the tegaderm.

[billythekid, CRNA]

14 or 16 for adult trauma, 18 is the best all around IMO for general access and fluid admin, but sometimes all you can get is 20 or 22... 18-20 for ped trauma

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

You can give blood through anything, slowly, so I'm not that hung up on size for most ER patients. If it is a trauma, or I know they are actively losing fluid- diarrhea and vomiting- I'll put in 18-20. If they are actively bleeding (OB or major trauma) I go as big as I can get, and two lines. If it's a LOL who needs antibiotics longlasting will win over big. For them I use a 22 over a long bone.

[lpn1313]

I usually get 22 or 24, only because by the time I'm doing an IV, these little old folks have really itty bitty dehydrated veins that go BOOM if anything larger goes in. I also prefer the shortest one because of cousre the LOL that I'm starting an IV on has veins that go every way but straight!

[meandragonbrett]

14's and 16's as a general rule of thumb. 18's as a last resort before we place a cordis.