Smiths Medical 3085 - Protective IV Catheter 18G 50/BX, 4 BX/CS

The Smiths Medical 3085 Protective IV Catheter 18G is designed for dependable peripheral intravenous access in clinical, hospital, emergency, and outpatient care environments. This 18 gauge IV catheter supports efficient fluid administration, medication delivery, and vascular access procedures where a larger bore catheter may be required. Packaged as 50 catheters per box and 4 boxes per case, it is suitable for healthcare facilities that need consistent supply availability for routine and high-demand use.

Built for professional clinical use, this protective IV catheter is intended to support safe insertion technique, stable catheter placement, and efficient workflow. The 18G size is commonly selected when faster flow rates are needed, including IV therapy, hydration, blood draws where appropriate, contrast-related workflows when compatible with facility protocol, and emergency access situations.

Key Benefits

• 18G catheter size supports higher flow needs compared with smaller gauge IV catheters.
• Protective catheter design helps support safer handling during vascular access procedures.
• Sterile, single-use format helps reduce cross-contamination risk when used according to protocol.
• Reliable option for peripheral IV access in hospitals, clinics, emergency departments, and procedural areas.
• Bulk case packaging with 200 total units supports inventory planning and frequent clinical use.
• Designed for use by trained healthcare professionals in accordance with facility guidelines.
• Supports efficient medication administration, fluid therapy, and IV access management.

Compatibility and Applications

The Smiths Medical 3085 Protective IV Catheter 18G is intended for peripheral intravenous access and may be used with compatible IV administration sets, extension sets, injection caps, securement devices, and standard vascular access supplies used in clinical practice. Compatibility should always be confirmed with institutional policy, product labeling, and the requirements of the therapy being delivered.

Common applications include peripheral IV insertion, fluid replacement, medication infusion, emergency access, preoperative and postoperative care, and clinical departments where dependable large-bore IV access is required. The 18G size may be appropriate for situations requiring improved flow capacity, provided patient vein condition, therapy type, and clinician judgment support its use.

Usage Guidelines

Use the Smiths Medical 3085 Protective IV Catheter 18G only by trained healthcare professionals following established aseptic technique and facility vascular access protocols. Before use, inspect the package to confirm sterility has not been compromised. Do not use the catheter if the packaging is damaged, opened, wet, or past the stated expiration date.

Select the appropriate insertion site based on patient condition, vein quality, therapy duration, and clinical need. Prepare the site according to infection prevention standards, insert the catheter using approved technique, confirm placement, secure the catheter properly, and connect only to compatible IV components. Monitor the site regularly for signs of infiltration, phlebitis, leakage, infection, occlusion, or patient discomfort.

Certifications and Safety Standards

The Smiths Medical 3085 Protective IV Catheter 18G should be used in accordance with applicable healthcare safety standards, facility policies, infection control requirements, and the manufacturers instructions for use. As a sterile medical device, it is intended for single-patient, single-use application and should be discarded after use according to medical waste disposal procedures.

Facilities should verify current product documentation, regulatory status, and purchasing specifications before clinical use. Safety practices should include proper hand hygiene, aseptic insertion, sharps safety procedures, securement, routine site assessment, and documentation according to institutional requirements.

Comparison with Competitors

Compared with standard non-protective IV catheter options, the Smiths Medical 3085 Protective IV Catheter 18G offers a protective design intended to support safer catheter handling and clinical workflow. Its 18G size makes it a practical choice when clinicians require stronger flow performance than smaller gauges typically provide.

For healthcare buyers comparing IV catheter products, key considerations include gauge size, catheter length, sterility, packaging quantity, protective features, ease of handling, compatibility with existing IV supplies, and supply chain reliability. Smiths Medical products are widely used in clinical environments, making this catheter a familiar option for facilities that prioritize dependable vascular access supplies.

Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios

This product is typically used by nurses, emergency clinicians, vascular access teams, anesthesia staff, surgical teams, outpatient infusion providers, and other trained medical professionals responsible for peripheral IV access. It is suitable for facilities that need a reliable 18G IV catheter for patient care areas where rapid or moderate-to-high flow vascular access may be required.

Typical application scenarios include emergency department intake, surgical preparation, inpatient IV therapy, outpatient procedures, fluid administration, medication delivery, and clinical settings where a larger gauge peripheral catheter is appropriate. The case quantity is well suited for hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, specialty clinics, urgent care facilities, and medical supply purchasing departments.

Best Practices for Use and Maintenance

For best results, store the Smiths Medical 3085 Protective IV Catheter 18G in a clean, dry area away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Keep the product in its original packaging until ready for use to help protect sterility. Rotate stock using first-expiring, first-out inventory practices to reduce waste and maintain supply readiness.

During clinical use, follow proper insertion technique, secure the catheter to reduce movement, label and document according to facility policy, and assess the insertion site at recommended intervals. Replace, remove, or discontinue the catheter when clinically indicated or according to institutional protocol. Do not attempt to reuse, reprocess, or resterilize the device.

Regulatory and Safety Information

The Smiths Medical 3085 Protective IV Catheter 18G is a medical device intended for professional healthcare use. It should be used only in accordance with the manufacturers instructions, applicable clinical guidelines, and the policies of the healthcare facility. Patient selection, catheter gauge selection, insertion site choice, and monitoring should be based on clinical judgment and patient-specific factors.

Dispose of the catheter and any associated sharps or contaminated materials in approved medical waste containers. Follow all local, state, federal, and facility requirements for infection control, sharps safety, and biomedical waste handling. Product specifications, availability, and regulatory details should be confirmed at the time of purchase.

How to Order

Select the Smiths Medical 3085 Protective IV Catheter 18G 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.