Smiths Medical 305506 - IV Catheter, 18G x 1" Retracting Needle, Green, 50/bx, 4 bx/cs

The Smiths Medical 305506 IV Catheter is designed for reliable peripheral intravenous access in clinical, acute care, emergency, and procedural environments. This 18G x 1 1/4 inch green IV catheter features a retracting needle design to support safer insertion practices and help reduce the risk of accidental needlestick exposure after catheter placement.

Packaged as 50 catheters per box and 4 boxes per case, this product is suitable for healthcare facilities that require consistent catheter performance, efficient inventory control, and dependable supply for routine and high-volume IV access needs.

Key Benefits

• 18G catheter size supports higher flow rates for appropriate IV therapy applications.
• 1 1/4 inch catheter length provides practical access for a range of peripheral venous sites.
• Retracting needle design helps support clinician safety during and after insertion.
• Green color coding allows quick gauge identification in busy clinical settings.
• Sterile, single-use format helps support infection control protocols.
• Bulk case configuration is well suited for hospitals, clinics, surgery centers, and emergency departments.

Compatibility and Applications

The Smiths Medical 305506 IV Catheter is intended for peripheral venous access where an 18G catheter is clinically appropriate. It may be used for IV fluid administration, medication delivery, blood draws where permitted by facility protocol, contrast administration when compatible with institutional requirements, and other approved intravenous therapy procedures.

This catheter should be used with compatible IV administration sets, extension sets, securement products, dressings, and standard IV accessories selected according to clinical need and facility policy.

Usage Guidelines

• Use only by trained healthcare professionals following approved clinical procedures.
• Inspect the package before use and do not use if the sterile barrier is damaged or opened.
• Select the appropriate vein and catheter gauge based on patient condition, therapy type, and facility protocol.
• Prepare the insertion site using approved antiseptic technique.
• Insert the catheter according to the manufacturers instructions for use and institutional guidelines.
• Activate the retracting needle safety mechanism immediately after placement as directed.
• Secure the catheter with an approved dressing or securement device and document placement according to facility requirements.

Certifications and Safety Standards

The Smiths Medical 305506 IV Catheter is manufactured for professional healthcare use and should be handled in accordance with applicable medical device regulations, facility policies, and infection prevention standards. The retracting needle design supports safer sharps handling and helps align with occupational safety practices for reducing accidental needlestick risk.

Users should always refer to the product packaging and manufacturer instructions for complete safety information, sterility status, expiration dating, and device-specific handling requirements.

Comparison with Competitors

Compared with standard non-safety peripheral IV catheters, the Smiths Medical 305506 offers the added advantage of a retracting needle feature designed to support safer disposal after insertion. Its 18G green configuration provides familiar gauge recognition for clinicians, while the 50 per box and 4 boxes per case packaging makes it practical for facilities managing frequent IV starts.

For healthcare teams comparing IV catheter options, this product offers a balanced combination of safety-focused design, clinical familiarity, and supply efficiency from an established medical device manufacturer.

Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios

This IV catheter is commonly selected by hospitals, emergency departments, outpatient surgery centers, infusion clinics, urgent care facilities, long-term care providers, and other professional healthcare environments. It is especially useful where clinicians require an 18G peripheral IV catheter for procedures or therapies that may need a larger-bore access option.

Typical users include nurses, paramedics, emergency clinicians, infusion specialists, and other trained medical professionals responsible for peripheral IV access and patient care support.

Best Practices for Use and Maintenance

• Store catheters in a clean, dry area away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
• Rotate stock using first-expired, first-out inventory practices.
• Confirm the correct gauge, length, and product code before use.
• Maintain aseptic technique during insertion and catheter handling.
• Assess the IV site regularly for signs of infiltration, phlebitis, leakage, irritation, or infection.
• Dispose of the retracting needle and used catheter components according to sharps and biohazard waste policies.

Regulatory and Safety Information

This product is intended for professional medical use only. It should be used in accordance with the manufacturers instructions for use, applicable clinical guidelines, and the healthcare facilitys policies for vascular access, sharps safety, and infection control.

Do not reuse, resterilize, or use the device beyond its expiration date. Improper use may increase the risk of patient injury, failed catheter placement, infection, or occupational exposure. Always follow local, state, and federal requirements for medical device handling and sharps disposal.

How to Order

Select the Smiths Medical 305506 IV Catheter, 18G x 1" Retracting Needle, Green, 50/bx, 4 bx/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.