Smiths Medical 306701 - Protective Plus IV Catheter, 20G x 1" Retracting Needle, Pink, 50/bx, 4 bx/cs

The Smiths Medical 306701 Protective Plus IV Catheter is a 20G x 1 inch peripheral IV catheter designed for reliable vascular access with an integrated retracting needle safety feature. Its pink color coding supports quick gauge identification in clinical environments, while the straight catheter design helps support consistent insertion technique for routine IV therapy, medication delivery, hydration, and blood draw applications when clinically appropriate.

Packaged 50 per box and 4 boxes per case, this catheter is suited for hospitals, emergency departments, outpatient centers, surgical units, infusion clinics, and other professional healthcare settings that require dependable IV access products with built-in sharps safety support.

Key Benefits

• 20G x 1 inch size supports common adult peripheral IV access needs.
• Retracting needle safety design helps reduce the risk of accidental needlestick exposure after catheter placement.
• Pink color coding allows fast visual identification of the 20 gauge size.
• Straight catheter configuration supports familiar insertion workflow for trained clinicians.
• Radiopaque catheter material supports visibility under imaging when applicable.
• Box and case packaging supports organized inventory management for busy care areas.
• Designed for professional clinical use in environments where dependable IV access and safety are priorities.

Compatibility and Applications

The Smiths Medical 306701 Protective Plus IV Catheter is intended for use by trained healthcare professionals for peripheral intravenous access. It may be used in settings where a 20G catheter is clinically appropriate for fluid administration, medication delivery, contrast-related procedures when permitted by facility protocol, or short-term vascular access needs.

This catheter is compatible with standard peripheral IV therapy workflows and should be used with appropriate IV administration sets, extension sets, securement products, dressings, disinfectants, and flushing supplies according to facility policy and clinician judgment.

Usage Guidelines

• Review the product packaging, instructions for use, and facility protocol before use.
• Select the 20G x 1 inch catheter only when it matches the patients vein condition, therapy requirements, and clinical indication.
• Use aseptic technique during preparation, insertion, securement, and connection.
• Prepare the insertion site using approved skin antisepsis procedures.
• After successful catheter placement, activate the retracting needle safety mechanism according to the manufacturers instructions.
• Secure the catheter with an appropriate sterile dressing and stabilization method.
• Dispose of the used needle component immediately in an approved sharps container.
• Monitor the IV site regularly for infiltration, phlebitis, leakage, pain, swelling, redness, or other complications.

Certifications and Safety Standards

The Smiths Medical 306701 Protective Plus IV Catheter is manufactured for professional healthcare use and is designed to support clinical safety practices related to peripheral IV access and sharps injury prevention. The retracting needle feature helps align with needlestick reduction initiatives commonly required in healthcare facilities.

Users should verify current product labeling, regulatory status, sterility information, expiration date, and facility-specific requirements before use. All use should follow applicable clinical guidelines, occupational safety standards, and institutional infection prevention policies.

Comparison with Competitors

Compared with conventional non-safety IV catheters, the Smiths Medical 306701 Protective Plus IV Catheter provides an integrated retracting needle feature designed to improve sharps safety after insertion. This can help reduce reliance on separate safety steps and supports safer post-placement handling.

When compared with many standard safety IV catheter options, this model offers a familiar straight catheter format, clear 20G pink color coding, and practical bulk packaging for high-volume clinical areas. Its combination of safety design, gauge visibility, and professional-use packaging makes it a strong option for facilities seeking dependable peripheral IV catheter supplies.

Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios

This catheter is commonly used by nurses, emergency clinicians, infusion specialists, surgical staff, anesthesia teams, and other trained healthcare professionals responsible for establishing peripheral IV access. The 20G x 1 inch size is frequently selected for adult patients when moderate flow capability and reliable peripheral access are needed.

Typical application scenarios include emergency room starts, preoperative IV access, inpatient medication administration, outpatient infusion support, hydration therapy, diagnostic preparation, and routine clinical vascular access where a 20 gauge catheter is appropriate.

Best Practices for Use and Maintenance

• Store the catheter in a clean, dry environment according to the storage instructions on the package.
• Do not use the catheter if the package is opened, damaged, wet, or past the expiration date.
• Confirm gauge, length, sterility, and product integrity before opening the package.
• Use the smallest catheter size that meets the clinical need to support patient comfort and vessel preservation.
• Maintain strict hand hygiene and aseptic technique throughout the procedure.
• Label, assess, and maintain the IV site according to facility policy.
• Replace, remove, or escalate concerns when signs of complications are present.
• Keep adequate stock available in IV carts, emergency rooms, procedure rooms, and supply areas to prevent delays in care.

Regulatory and Safety Information

The Smiths Medical 306701 Protective Plus IV Catheter is intended for use by qualified healthcare professionals. It should be used only for appropriate clinical indications and in accordance with the manufacturers instructions, facility procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.

This product should not be reused or resterilized. Single-use catheter products must be discarded after use according to biomedical waste and sharps disposal policies. Clinicians should follow all infection control, bloodborne pathogen, and patient safety standards when inserting, maintaining, and removing peripheral IV catheters.

How to Order

Select the Smiths Medical 306701 Protective Plus 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.