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

[mikethern]

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

[IVRUS, BSN, RN]

What's important to remember is what INS states regarding catheter size: "Always use the smallest gauge and length to adequately deliver the prescribed therapy"

Therefore, In an emergency setting, a larger bore may be necessary to get the infusion flow needed in that situation.

However, when dealing with peds or the elderly in a non-emergent setting, placing a 22 gauge, or 24g with peds or in a 90 lb soaking wet female, is ideal. Your rule of thimb is to always choose the smallest gauge to allow for hemodilution and decrease trauma to endothelial cells in the tunica intima.

I give blood to elderly populi in a non-emergent setting over 3-4hours using a 22gauge IV catheter in most cases.

Looking at the package insert of a 24gauge IV catheter, you'll see that it allows for a blood flow of 24mls/min. 24x60 minutes in an hour= 1440mls/hr, and think what a better flow a 22g will have.

An exception here would be if I'm trying to infuse a viscous solution like blood in a short time frame (over an hour or so), in that case, use a larger bore IV catheter to prevent complications.

DD

[jmgrn65, RN]

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.

yellow is 24

[jmgrn65, RN]

Usually use 22 or 20 dependinging the patient, very rarely a 24.

I cant believe some are using a 14 geez do you need an angioseal when you take that out.

I ended up with phelbitis with just a 20, but alas I am a whimp (as a Patient)

[Roseyposey]

I try to use an 18 if at all possible - we give a lot of blood on my floor. My skills are getting a little rusty lately, however, it seems anyone who stays/will stay more than three days becomes the proud owner of a PICC line.

[TexasPediRN]

22 or 24 :) (pedi nurse here!)

Rarely a 20 if its a older kiddo (teens)

I agree with the previous poster- lately there are a ton of PICC lines and Central Lines - the PICC lines come after about 3 days...

[MelBel]

Usually 20 or 22....24 if they have small veins, and I don't want to ruin my last shot with a big one!

But I work geriatrics...with lots of dehydration and renal patients with crappy veins!

I've never tried an 18...I think I'm afraid. In fact, I'm not even sure we carry 18s many 18s....let alone 16s or 14s!

Of course I've had plenty of wonderful 24s that have lasted for a few days, and then the 20s that just don't work. I go for quality over size :)

[lorilou22RN]

18 or 20 gauge

[cpnegrad07]

It depends on the reason for the IV--the pt problem now or poss. in the future. But for run of the mill, CYA IV's, 22. Why? How many large bore IVs have you received? Enjoy them? If large isn't necessary, why would you use one? All we are going to use it for is a KVO drip, a med drip, or a med push. You can do all those thru a 22.

(excluding trauma, surgery, etc, of course).

.:dncgcpd:

[mianders, RN]

I worked in ER for years and never used

[meandragonbrett]

I cant believe some are using a 14 geez do you need an angioseal when you take that out.

You'd be surprised. Those that have had 14's and 16's and are getting Lovenox/fragmin/subQ Heparin bleed like a stuck pig when you d'c them.

[blueheaven]

In the ICU where I work, we like 20s and 18s ( x 2) and ESPECIALLY love triple lumen central lines. For me, if all I can get is a 22 then so be it and the resident/fellow can get off their butts and put one in!

[Larry in Florida]

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

I work pre-op. 22ga for epidurals , 20ga for general anesthesia.

Larry in Fla