Smiths Medical 3055 - CATHETER IV PROTECTIVE 18 GAX1 1/4 200/CS
The Smiths Medical 3055 Protective IV Catheter 18G x 1 1/4 is designed for professional peripheral intravenous access in clinical and healthcare environments. This protective IV catheter provides a practical solution for facilities that require dependable vascular access supplies for fluid administration, medication delivery, blood draws, and emergency care applications. Supplied as 200 catheters per case, it is well suited for hospitals, surgical centers, emergency departments, outpatient clinics, and high-volume medical supply operations.
With its 18 gauge size and 1 1/4 inch catheter length, this product is commonly selected when a larger-bore peripheral IV catheter is required. It supports efficient clinical workflow while helping healthcare teams maintain consistent product availability across care settings.
Key Benefits
The Smiths Medical 3055 Protective IV Catheter offers a balance of clinical utility, reliable construction, and convenient case packaging. Its 18G size is appropriate for situations where higher flow capability may be needed, including selected infusion, hydration, trauma, perioperative, and emergency care protocols. The protective catheter design supports safer handling practices when used according to facility procedures and manufacturer instructions.
Case packaging of 200 units helps simplify inventory planning for purchasing teams, medical distributors, and healthcare facilities. The product is also easy to integrate into standard IV access supply workflows, making it a dependable choice for routine clinical stocking and procedural supply rooms.
Compatibility and Applications
This IV catheter is intended for use by trained healthcare professionals as part of peripheral intravenous access procedures. It may be used in a variety of medical settings where an 18G x 1 1/4 catheter is appropriate under clinical judgment and facility protocol. Common applications include IV fluid administration, compatible medication delivery, blood sampling where clinically suitable, emergency access, preoperative preparation, and inpatient or outpatient infusion support.
The Smiths Medical 3055 Protective IV Catheter should be used with compatible IV administration sets, extension sets, securement products, antiseptic preparation supplies, dressings, and sharps disposal systems according to institutional guidelines. Product selection should always consider patient condition, vein size, therapy type, flow requirements, and applicable clinical standards.
Usage Guidelines
Use the Smiths Medical 3055 Protective IV Catheter only by trained personnel following approved aseptic technique and facility procedures. Inspect the packaging before use and do not use the catheter if the package is opened, damaged, contaminated, or past its applicable expiration date. Select the catheter gauge and length based on the clinical need, patient anatomy, anticipated therapy, and practitioner assessment.
Prepare the insertion site according to infection prevention protocols. After placement, confirm catheter position and patency according to standard clinical practice. Secure the catheter with an appropriate dressing and monitor the site regularly for signs of infiltration, phlebitis, occlusion, leakage, discomfort, or infection. Dispose of used components immediately in an approved sharps container or designated medical waste system.
Certifications and Safety Standards
The Smiths Medical 3055 Protective IV Catheter is manufactured for professional healthcare use and should be handled in accordance with applicable medical device regulations, facility policies, and recognized infection control standards. Users should follow the product labeling, manufacturer instructions, and institutional guidance for peripheral IV catheter insertion, maintenance, and disposal.
Healthcare facilities should verify current regulatory status, storage requirements, sterility information, and product documentation before clinical use. Proper training, aseptic technique, catheter site monitoring, and sharps safety practices are essential to support patient safety and staff protection.
Comparison with Competitors
Compared with general-purpose peripheral IV catheters, the Smiths Medical 3055 Protective IV Catheter offers the advantage of a recognized medical device brand, practical protective catheter design, and bulk case packaging for clinical supply efficiency. Its 18G x 1 1/4 configuration makes it suitable for facilities that need a larger-gauge catheter option for appropriate patient care scenarios.
When compared with smaller-gauge IV catheters, this 18G model may support higher flow requirements, depending on clinical conditions and compatible equipment. Compared with mixed or low-volume purchasing options, the 200 per case format can help reduce ordering frequency and support consistent availability in busy healthcare environments.
Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios
This product is typically used by nurses, emergency medical teams, infusion clinicians, surgical staff, anesthesia providers, and other qualified healthcare professionals responsible for peripheral IV access. It is also relevant for purchasing departments, medical supply distributors, and healthcare inventory managers seeking dependable IV catheter stock for routine and urgent care needs.
Typical application scenarios include emergency department intake, perioperative preparation, inpatient care, outpatient infusion support, hydration therapy, compatible medication administration, and clinical areas where 18G peripheral IV access may be required. Final use should always be based on patient-specific assessment and professional clinical judgment.
Best Practices for Use and Maintenance
Store the Smiths Medical 3055 Protective IV Catheter in a clean, dry, temperature-appropriate location according to product labeling and facility storage standards. Rotate stock using first-expiring, first-out inventory practices to reduce waste and maintain readiness. Keep cartons organized by gauge and length so clinicians can quickly identify the correct catheter size.
During clinical use, maintain strict aseptic technique, use appropriate skin antisepsis, and secure the catheter properly to reduce movement at the insertion site. Assess the IV site regularly and document catheter placement, condition, and removal according to facility policy. Do not reuse single-use devices, and dispose of all used catheter components safely in approved containers.
Regulatory and Safety Information
The Smiths Medical 3055 Protective IV Catheter is intended for professional healthcare use and should be used only in accordance with manufacturer instructions, applicable regulations, and institutional procedures. It is not intended for use by untrained individuals. Selection of catheter size, insertion site, and therapy type should be determined by qualified clinical personnel.
Potential risks associated with peripheral IV catheter use may include infiltration, extravasation, phlebitis, infection, bleeding, occlusion, pain, and accidental needlestick injury if safe handling practices are not followed. Follow all local, state, federal, and facility requirements for medical device use, infection prevention, sharps safety, and regulated medical waste disposal.
How to Order
Select the Smiths Medical 3055 CATHETER IV PROTECTIVE 18 GAX1 1/4 200/CS and add it to your cart. Complete check out 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.
