Smiths Medical 3055 - CATHETER PROT IV 18GX11/4

The Smiths Medical 3055 CATHETER PROT IV 18GX11/4 is a protective peripheral IV catheter designed for reliable vascular access in clinical environments where an 18 gauge catheter is required. Its 1-1/4 inch catheter length supports controlled insertion, stable placement, and efficient fluid delivery for appropriate adult patient care applications.

Built for professional healthcare use, this IV catheter is suitable for facilities that need dependable catheter performance, practical handling, and consistent access support during routine infusion therapy, medication administration, and blood draw procedures where clinically indicated.

Key Benefits

• 18 gauge catheter size supports higher flow applications when appropriate for the patient and procedure.
• 1-1/4 inch catheter length provides a practical balance of reach, control, and placement stability.
• Protective IV catheter design supports safer handling during vascular access procedures.
• Designed for professional use in hospitals, outpatient departments, emergency care, and clinical treatment areas.
• Helps support efficient peripheral IV access for fluid therapy, medication delivery, and related clinical needs.
• Manufactured by Smiths Medical, a recognized supplier of vascular access and infusion care products.

Compatibility and Applications

The Smiths Medical 3055 CATHETER PROT IV 18GX11/4 is intended for peripheral intravenous access when an 18 gauge catheter is clinically appropriate. It may be used with compatible IV administration sets, extension sets, infusion systems, and standard clinical accessories according to facility protocol and product instructions.

Common applications may include IV fluid administration, medication infusion, contrast-related access preparation where permitted by protocol, perioperative care, emergency department use, and other vascular access procedures requiring an 18 gauge peripheral IV catheter.

Usage Guidelines

• Use only by trained healthcare professionals following established vascular access procedures.
• Confirm catheter gauge, length, and intended application before use.
• Inspect packaging and product condition before opening and do not use if packaging appears damaged or compromised.
• Prepare the insertion site using approved aseptic technique and facility infection control standards.
• Insert, secure, flush, and monitor the catheter according to clinical protocol and the manufacturer instructions for use.
• Dispose of used catheter components immediately in an approved sharps or biohazard container as required by local policy.

Certifications and Safety Standards

The Smiths Medical 3055 CATHETER PROT IV 18GX11/4 should be used in accordance with applicable healthcare facility standards, infection prevention procedures, sharps safety requirements, and the manufacturer instructions for use. Healthcare providers should verify product labeling, sterility status, expiration date, and regulatory documentation before clinical use.

For procurement and compliance review, facilities should confirm the current product specifications, applicable FDA status, lot information, and documentation directly from the product packaging, supplier records, or manufacturer resources.

Comparison with Competitors

Compared with standard non-protective IV catheters, the Smiths Medical 3055 CATHETER PROT IV 18GX11/4 offers the advantage of a protective catheter format designed to support safer handling during peripheral IV placement and post-use disposal. The 18 gauge size is commonly selected when higher flow potential is needed compared with smaller gauge options such as 22 gauge or 24 gauge catheters.

For healthcare buyers, this product provides a strong option when evaluating protective peripheral IV catheters based on gauge size, catheter length, brand reliability, clinical workflow fit, and compatibility with existing vascular access protocols.

Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios

This catheter is typically used by nurses, vascular access teams, emergency department clinicians, anesthesia providers, and other trained healthcare professionals responsible for peripheral IV placement. It is suitable for healthcare environments that require dependable IV access supplies for routine and higher-flow clinical scenarios.

Application scenarios may include hospital admissions, emergency care, surgical preparation, infusion therapy, short-term vascular access, and outpatient treatment areas where an 18 gauge, 1-1/4 inch protective IV catheter is appropriate for the patient condition and care plan.

Best Practices for Use and Maintenance

• Select the catheter size based on patient vein condition, therapy requirements, flow needs, and clinical judgment.
• Maintain strict aseptic technique throughout insertion, connection, flushing, and dressing application.
• Secure the catheter properly to reduce the risk of movement, irritation, infiltration, or accidental dislodgement.
• Assess the insertion site regularly for pain, swelling, redness, leakage, occlusion, or signs of complications.
• Follow facility policy for flushing, dressing changes, site monitoring, and catheter removal.
• Store unused catheters in a clean, dry area away from excessive heat, moisture, and contamination risk.

Regulatory and Safety Information

The Smiths Medical 3055 CATHETER PROT IV 18GX11/4 is intended for professional healthcare use and should not be used without proper clinical training. Users must follow the manufacturer instructions for use, facility procedures, OSHA sharps safety expectations, infection control guidance, and all applicable federal, state, and local healthcare regulations.

Do not reuse single-use catheter products. Reuse may increase the risk of infection, device failure, patient injury, or cross-contamination. Always verify the correct catheter size, packaging integrity, expiration date, and lot information before use.

How to Order

Select the Smiths Medical 3055 CATHETER PROT IV 18GX11/4 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.