Smiths Medical 306201 - Protective Plus IV Catheter, 16G x 1" Retracting Needle, Grey, 50/bx, 4 bx/cs

The Smiths Medical 306201 Protective Plus IV Catheter is a safety-focused peripheral IV catheter designed for reliable vascular access in clinical environments where a larger 16G catheter is required. This grey 16G x 1.25 inch catheter features a retracting needle mechanism intended to help support safer insertion practices and reduce exposure risk after use.

Packaged 50 per box and 4 boxes per case, this catheter is suitable for healthcare facilities that need dependable IV access products for emergency care, surgical departments, infusion areas, and other settings where rapid fluid administration or higher flow access may be required.

Key Benefits

The Protective Plus IV catheter is designed to support efficient venous access while helping clinicians maintain a safer workflow. Its retracting needle feature helps reduce the risk of accidental needlestick injuries after catheter placement, making it a practical option for facilities focused on staff protection and patient care quality.

The 16G size provides a larger bore option for applications where increased flow capacity may be needed. The grey color coding helps clinicians quickly identify catheter gauge size, supporting faster product selection in busy clinical settings.

The catheter is supplied in organized box and case quantities, helping hospitals, clinics, surgery centers, and supply teams manage inventory more efficiently.

Compatibility and Applications

The Smiths Medical 306201 Protective Plus IV Catheter is intended for peripheral intravenous access when used by trained healthcare professionals in accordance with facility protocols and applicable clinical guidelines. The 16G x 1.25 inch size is commonly selected for clinical situations that may require larger vein access, higher flow rates, blood administration, fluid resuscitation, or perioperative IV therapy.

This product may be used in emergency departments, operating rooms, preoperative and postoperative care areas, critical care units, outpatient infusion settings, and other healthcare environments where peripheral IV access is clinically appropriate.

Usage Guidelines

Use the catheter only as directed by the manufacturer and according to the healthcare facilitys approved IV insertion protocol. Before use, confirm the correct gauge, length, package integrity, expiration date, and sterility status. Select an appropriate insertion site based on patient condition, vein quality, ordered therapy, and clinical judgment.

After catheter placement, activate or allow the retracting needle safety feature according to the product instructions. Dispose of the used needle and insertion components immediately in an approved sharps container. Secure the catheter with an appropriate dressing and monitor the site regularly for signs of infiltration, phlebitis, infection, leakage, or dislodgement.

Certifications and Safety Standards

The Smiths Medical 306201 Protective Plus IV Catheter is manufactured for professional medical use and should be handled in accordance with applicable healthcare safety standards, infection control policies, and sharps injury prevention practices. The retracting needle design supports safer post-insertion handling by helping limit exposure to the used needle.

Healthcare providers should follow institutional procedures, manufacturer instructions, and all applicable regulatory requirements for sterile single-use IV catheter products, sharps disposal, and patient safety documentation.

Comparison with Competitors

Compared with standard non-safety IV catheters, the Smiths Medical Protective Plus IV Catheter offers an integrated retracting needle design that supports clinician safety after insertion. This can be an important advantage for facilities seeking to reduce needlestick exposure risk without compromising routine peripheral IV access workflow.

Compared with some basic safety catheter options, the Protective Plus system provides a practical combination of gauge visibility, familiar catheter handling, and safety-focused needle retraction. The 16G grey configuration also supports clinical use where larger bore access is preferred over smaller gauge alternatives.

Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios

This product is typically used by nurses, emergency department clinicians, anesthesia teams, infusion specialists, surgical staff, and other trained healthcare professionals responsible for peripheral IV access. It is especially useful in environments where speed, safety, and dependable catheter placement are important.

Common application scenarios include emergency fluid administration, surgical preparation, blood or fluid therapy when clinically indicated, trauma-related access needs, and general acute care situations requiring a larger 16G peripheral IV catheter.

Best Practices for Use and Maintenance

Always verify that the selected catheter size is appropriate for the patient, vein condition, and ordered therapy. Maintain aseptic technique throughout preparation, insertion, securement, and dressing application. Avoid using the product if the package is damaged, opened, wet, or past its expiration date.

After placement, secure the catheter properly to help reduce movement and accidental removal. Assess the insertion site according to facility policy and document catheter gauge, site, date, time, number of attempts, patient response, and any complications. Replace or remove the catheter as clinically indicated and in accordance with facility guidelines.

Regulatory and Safety Information

The Smiths Medical 306201 Protective Plus IV Catheter is intended for single patient use by trained medical professionals. Do not reuse, reprocess, or resterilize the device. Reuse may increase the risk of infection, device failure, contamination, or patient injury.

Dispose of all used components in compliance with facility policy, OSHA bloodborne pathogen requirements, sharps disposal standards, and applicable local, state, and federal regulations. Always follow the manufacturers instructions for use and your organizations procedures for vascular access device selection, insertion, and monitoring.

How to Order

Select the Smiths Medical 306201 Protective Plus IV Catheter, 16G x 1.25 Inch Retracting Needle, Grey, 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.