Smiths Medical 308500 - CATHETER, IV, PROTECT PLUS-W IV 18GX1 1/4, 200/CS

The Smiths Medical 308500 Protect Plus-W IV Catheter is designed for dependable peripheral intravenous access in professional healthcare environments. This 18G x 1 1/4 inch IV catheter supports efficient vascular access for fluid administration, medication delivery, blood draws where clinically appropriate, and short-term infusion therapy. Packaged 200 per case, it is a practical option for hospitals, emergency departments, surgical centers, outpatient clinics, and other facilities that require consistent IV catheter availability.

Built for clinical performance and workflow efficiency, this IV catheter helps support safe insertion practices, reliable placement, and patient-focused care. Its 18 gauge size is commonly selected when higher flow capability is needed compared with smaller gauge catheters, while the 1 1/4 inch length offers a balanced option for a wide range of adult peripheral access applications.

Key Benefits

• 18G x 1 1/4 inch size supports common peripheral IV access needs requiring moderate to higher flow rates.
• Protect Plus-W design helps support safe, controlled catheter placement in clinical settings.
• Suitable for fluid therapy, medication administration, and other approved peripheral intravenous procedures.
• Case quantity of 200 helps facilities maintain dependable inventory for high-use departments.
• Designed for professional use by trained healthcare personnel following facility protocols.
• Supports consistent clinical workflow in acute care, emergency care, outpatient care, and procedural environments.

Compatibility and Applications

The Smiths Medical 308500 Protect Plus-W IV Catheter is intended for use in peripheral intravenous access procedures where an 18G catheter is clinically appropriate. It may be used with compatible IV administration sets, extension sets, needleless connectors, syringes, and infusion systems that meet standard luer connection requirements and facility guidelines.

Typical applications include IV fluid administration, medication delivery, perioperative access, emergency department vascular access, outpatient infusion support, and general patient care where peripheral IV therapy is required. Selection should always be based on patient condition, vein quality, prescribed therapy, anticipated flow requirements, and institutional policy.

Usage Guidelines

• Use only by trained healthcare professionals familiar with peripheral IV catheter insertion and maintenance.
• Verify the product size, package integrity, expiration date, and sterility status before use.
• Prepare the insertion site according to accepted aseptic technique and facility infection prevention protocols.
• Select an appropriate vein and catheter size based on therapy requirements, patient anatomy, and clinical judgment.
• Insert, secure, flush, and maintain the catheter according to the product labeling and institutional procedures.
• Monitor the site regularly for signs of infiltration, phlebitis, leakage, occlusion, infection, or patient discomfort.
• Dispose of used components in approved sharps or medical waste containers according to local regulations.

Certifications and Safety Standards

Smiths Medical IV catheters are manufactured for professional healthcare use and should be handled in accordance with applicable medical device regulations, facility standards, and product labeling. Healthcare facilities should confirm the current regulatory status, sterility information, lot number, and expiration details on the product packaging before clinical use.

This device should be used in accordance with accepted infection control practices, occupational safety procedures, and applicable standards for peripheral intravenous therapy. Proper training, aseptic technique, securement, and routine site assessment are essential for safe and effective use.

Comparison with Competitors

Compared with general peripheral IV catheters, the Smiths Medical 308500 Protect Plus-W IV Catheter offers a trusted brand option for facilities that prioritize dependable vascular access products, consistent packaging, and clinical workflow support. The 18G x 1 1/4 inch configuration provides versatility for departments that frequently require reliable peripheral access with stronger flow capability than smaller gauge options.

While many competing IV catheters provide basic vascular access, Smiths Medical products are widely used in healthcare settings where product consistency, staff familiarity, and dependable supply are important purchasing considerations. The 200 per case packaging also supports inventory planning for high-volume clinical environments.

Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios

This IV catheter is commonly used by nurses, emergency clinicians, anesthesiology teams, infusion staff, surgical center personnel, and other trained healthcare professionals responsible for establishing and maintaining peripheral IV access. It is well suited for busy departments where fast, consistent, and clinically appropriate vascular access is important.

Typical scenarios include emergency department admissions, preoperative preparation, outpatient procedures, medication infusion, hydration therapy, and short-term inpatient care. The 18G size may be selected when the prescribed therapy or clinical situation requires a larger bore catheter, provided the patient vein condition supports appropriate placement.

Best Practices for Use and Maintenance

• Choose the smallest appropriate catheter gauge that meets therapy needs and preserves vessel health.
• Follow facility-approved hand hygiene and skin antisepsis procedures before insertion and maintenance.
• Use securement methods that reduce catheter movement and help protect the insertion site.
• Label and document insertion details according to institutional policy.
• Assess the IV site routinely for complications and remove the catheter if clinically indicated.
• Flush according to facility protocol and compatible solution guidelines.
• Store unopened product in a clean, dry area away from excessive heat, moisture, and contamination risk.

Regulatory and Safety Information

The Smiths Medical 308500 Protect Plus-W IV Catheter is intended for professional medical use only. Clinicians should review the manufacturer instructions for use before applying the device in patient care. Do not use the product if packaging is damaged, opened, contaminated, or past the labeled expiration date.

All IV catheter placement and maintenance should follow applicable healthcare regulations, facility policies, infection prevention standards, and patient safety procedures. This product should be used only for its intended purpose and disposed of according to sharps safety and medical waste requirements.

How to Order

Select the Smiths Medical 308500 CATHETER, IV, PROTECT PLUS-W IV 18GX1 1/4, 200/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.