Smiths Medical 305606 - IV Catheter, 20G x 1" Retracting Needle, Pink, 50/bx, 4 bx/cs

The Smiths Medical 305606 IV Catheter is a professional-grade peripheral intravenous catheter designed for reliable vascular access in clinical, emergency, outpatient, and procedural care settings. Featuring a 20G x 1 inch size and a pink color-coded design, this IV catheter supports efficient identification, controlled placement, and consistent performance during routine infusion therapy.

Built with a retracting needle safety feature, this catheter helps reduce the risk of accidental needlestick exposure after insertion. The 50 per box, 4 boxes per case packaging format makes it suitable for hospitals, clinics, ambulatory care centers, and healthcare facilities that require dependable IV access supplies in practical bulk quantities.

Key Benefits

• 20G x 1 inch size supports common peripheral IV access needs for adults and appropriate clinical applications.
• Retracting needle design helps improve sharps safety during and after catheter placement.
• Pink color coding allows quick gauge identification in busy clinical environments.
• Designed for smooth insertion and dependable vascular access when used by trained healthcare professionals.
• Convenient 50 per box packaging supports department stocking, procedure carts, and supply room organization.
• Case quantity of 4 boxes provides efficient purchasing for facilities with regular IV catheter demand.

Compatibility and Applications

The Smiths Medical 305606 IV Catheter is intended for peripheral intravenous access where a 20G catheter is clinically appropriate. It may be used for fluid administration, medication delivery, blood draws when permitted by facility protocol, and other infusion-related applications under professional supervision.

This catheter is compatible with standard IV administration practices and is commonly used alongside IV extension sets, needle-free connectors, infusion tubing, securement devices, dressings, and flushing supplies. Healthcare teams should confirm compatibility with their facility-approved IV systems and clinical procedures before use.

Usage Guidelines

• Use only by trained healthcare professionals following facility-approved IV insertion protocols.
• Select the insertion site based on patient condition, vein quality, therapy type, and expected duration of access.
• Inspect the sterile packaging before use and do not use if the package is opened, damaged, or compromised.
• Prepare the site using appropriate antiseptic technique according to institutional standards.
• Insert the catheter using aseptic technique and activate the retracting needle safety mechanism as directed by the manufacturers instructions.
• Secure the catheter with an approved dressing or securement method and document placement according to facility policy.
• Dispose of all sharps and used materials in approved medical waste containers immediately after use.

Certifications and Safety Standards

The Smiths Medical 305606 IV Catheter is designed for professional healthcare use and should be handled in accordance with applicable facility infection control policies, sharps safety procedures, and medical device handling requirements. The retracting needle feature supports safer clinical workflow by helping reduce exposure to contaminated needles after catheter placement.

Facilities should follow applicable OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards, FDA-regulated medical device requirements, and internal policies for sterile single-use IV catheter products. Always refer to the product packaging and manufacturer documentation for complete safety, storage, and usage information.

Comparison with Competitors

Compared with standard non-safety IV catheters, the Smiths Medical 305606 offers the added advantage of a retracting needle mechanism, which supports safer post-insertion handling. This feature can be especially valuable in high-volume clinical environments where consistent sharps safety practices are essential.

When compared with many general-purpose peripheral IV catheters, this product provides a practical combination of recognized gauge color coding, common 20G sizing, professional packaging, and a safety-focused needle design. For healthcare buyers, the 50 per box and 4 boxes per case configuration also supports efficient inventory planning and cost-conscious purchasing.

Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios

This IV catheter is commonly used by nurses, emergency department staff, infusion clinicians, outpatient care teams, surgical center staff, and other licensed healthcare professionals responsible for peripheral IV placement. Its 20G size is frequently selected for routine adult IV therapy where moderate flow capacity is needed.

Typical application scenarios include hospital admissions, emergency care, preoperative preparation, outpatient infusion, short-term medication administration, hydration therapy, and general clinical procedures requiring peripheral venous access. The retracting needle feature makes it suitable for facilities prioritizing sharps injury prevention and standardized safety practices.

Best Practices for Use and Maintenance

• Store the product in a clean, dry clinical supply area according to manufacturer storage recommendations.
• Rotate inventory using first-expiring, first-out stock management to help maintain product readiness.
• Confirm catheter size, packaging integrity, and expiration date before opening.
• Use proper hand hygiene, gloves, skin antisepsis, and aseptic technique during insertion.
• Monitor the IV site regularly for signs of infiltration, phlebitis, leakage, pain, redness, or swelling.
• Keep the catheter site clean, dry, visible, and secured according to facility policy.
• Remove and replace the catheter according to clinical assessment, therapy needs, and institutional guidelines.

Regulatory and Safety Information

The Smiths Medical 305606 IV Catheter is intended for single-patient, single-use clinical application. It should not be reused, resterilized, or repurposed. Reuse of single-use IV catheters may increase the risk of infection, device failure, vascular injury, or cross-contamination.

Use this product only as directed by qualified medical personnel and in accordance with the manufacturers instructions for use. Follow all applicable federal, state, local, and facility-specific requirements for sharps disposal, infection prevention, and medical waste handling.

How to Order

Select the Smiths Medical 305606 IV Catheter, 20G x 1" Retracting Needle, Pink, 50/bx, 4 bx/cs 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.