Smiths Medical 304206 - Catheter 16gx1-1/4" Protectiv IV Safety Straight Gray 50/Bx, 4 BX/CA

The Smiths Medical 304206 Protectiv IV Safety Catheter is a 16 gauge, 1-1/4 inch straight peripheral IV catheter designed for dependable vascular access in clinical care settings. Supplied in gray for quick gauge identification, this catheter supports efficient insertion, stable placement, and safe handling during routine IV therapy, emergency care, surgical preparation, and inpatient treatment workflows.

Each unit is intended to help clinicians establish intravenous access while supporting safety-focused protocols. The 50 count box and 4 boxes per case packaging format makes this product suitable for hospitals, outpatient centers, emergency departments, surgical facilities, and healthcare supply programs that require consistent availability of high-use IV access products.

Key Benefits

• 16G catheter size supports higher-flow IV access when clinically appropriate.
• 1-1/4 inch length provides practical insertion depth for standard peripheral IV placement.
• Straight catheter design supports familiar handling and straightforward clinical technique.
• Gray color coding helps staff quickly identify catheter gauge during preparation and inventory management.
• Safety-focused Protectiv design helps support needlestick reduction protocols.
• Box and case packaging supports organized storage, restocking, and bulk purchasing for healthcare facilities.
• Designed for professional use in controlled medical environments by trained clinicians.

Compatibility and Applications

The Smiths Medical 304206 Protectiv IV Safety Catheter is commonly used for peripheral intravenous access where a 16G catheter is appropriate based on patient condition, vein quality, therapy requirements, and institutional policy. It may be used in areas such as emergency medicine, anesthesia, surgical intake, infusion preparation, acute care, and inpatient nursing units.

This catheter is compatible with standard clinical IV access procedures and is intended for use with appropriate IV administration components as directed by facility protocol. Selection should always be based on clinician assessment, prescribed therapy, vascular access requirements, and applicable medical guidelines.

Usage Guidelines

• Use only by trained healthcare professionals following approved IV insertion procedures.
• Confirm the correct catheter gauge and length before opening the package.
• Inspect the packaging before use and do not use if the sterile barrier is damaged or compromised.
• Prepare the insertion site according to facility infection control policy.
• Insert the catheter using aseptic technique and secure it according to clinical protocol.
• Activate and dispose of the safety needle component as directed by the product instructions and facility sharps policy.
• Monitor the IV site regularly for infiltration, phlebitis, leakage, pain, swelling, or signs of infection.

Certifications and Safety Standards

The Smiths Medical 304206 Protectiv IV Safety Catheter is manufactured for professional healthcare use and should be handled in accordance with applicable clinical, safety, and infection control standards. Facilities should follow internal policies, manufacturer instructions, OSHA bloodborne pathogen requirements, sharps injury prevention practices, and applicable state and federal healthcare regulations.

As with all IV access devices, proper training, sterile technique, correct disposal, and routine site monitoring are essential for safe use. Product labeling and packaging should be reviewed before clinical application to confirm indications, precautions, storage requirements, and expiration dating.

Comparison with Competitors

Compared with standard non-safety IV catheters, the Smiths Medical 304206 Protectiv IV Safety Catheter is designed to support safer handling after venipuncture and reduce exposure risks associated with contaminated needles. Its straight design offers a familiar format for clinicians who prefer a traditional catheter insertion profile, while the gauge-specific gray identification supports faster selection during busy clinical workflows.

For facilities comparing peripheral IV catheter options, this product offers a practical balance of safety design, clinical usability, recognizable gauge coding, and bulk case packaging. It is a strong option for healthcare organizations that prioritize workflow consistency, staff protection, and reliable IV access inventory management.

Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios

This catheter is typically used by nurses, physicians, anesthesiology teams, emergency department staff, infusion clinicians, and other trained healthcare professionals responsible for establishing peripheral IV access. It is well suited for facilities that need a dependable 16G safety catheter for higher-flow access needs, rapid treatment preparation, perioperative care, or acute clinical scenarios.

Common application scenarios include emergency intake, preoperative IV placement, fluid administration, blood product preparation when clinically appropriate, medication delivery, and general vascular access needs where a 16G peripheral catheter is selected by the care team.

Best Practices for Use and Maintenance

• Store in a clean, dry area away from excessive heat, moisture, and contamination.
• Rotate inventory using first-expiring, first-out stock management.
• Keep products in original packaging until ready for use.
• Verify product size, expiration date, and package integrity before each procedure.
• Use aseptic technique throughout insertion, connection, dressing, and maintenance.
• Secure the catheter properly to help reduce movement and dislodgement risk.
• Document insertion details according to facility requirements, including site, gauge, date, time, and clinician initials where applicable.
• Dispose of used components immediately in approved sharps or medical waste containers.

Regulatory and Safety Information

The Smiths Medical 304206 Protectiv IV Safety Catheter is intended for professional medical use only. It should be used according to the manufacturer instructions for use, facility protocol, and applicable healthcare regulations. Clinicians should assess patient suitability before use and select catheter size based on therapy type, vein condition, anticipated flow needs, and patient-specific factors.

Do not reuse or resterilize single-use catheter products. Reuse may increase the risk of infection, device failure, cross-contamination, and patient harm. All used sharps and blood-contaminated materials should be handled as regulated medical waste and discarded according to institutional and governmental requirements.

How to Order

Select the Smiths Medical 304206 Catheter 16gx1-1/4" Protectiv IV Safety Straight Gray 50/Bx, 4 BX/CA and add it to your cart. Complete checkout with your preferred shipping and payment options. For bulk orders, quotes, or further assistance, contact CIA Medical customer service at (312)275-5850 or use the contact form on this page.