Smiths Medical 3260 - ViaValve IV Safety Catheter, 22G x 1" 50 /box

The Smiths Medical 3260 ViaValve IV Safety Catheter is a 22G x 1 inch peripheral intravenous catheter designed to support safe, efficient vascular access in clinical care settings. Built with an integrated safety-focused design and valve technology, this IV catheter helps clinicians manage blood exposure, streamline insertion workflow, and support consistent patient care during peripheral IV placement.

Packaged 50 per box, this catheter is suitable for hospitals, outpatient centers, emergency departments, infusion clinics, and other healthcare environments that require dependable IV access products for routine and specialized patient care.

Key Benefits

• 22G x 1 inch size supports common peripheral IV access needs for adult and selected patient populations.
• Safety catheter design helps reduce the risk of accidental needlestick exposure after insertion.
• Integrated valve technology helps minimize blood leakage during catheter placement and connection.
• Designed to support a cleaner, more controlled IV start process for clinicians.
• Helps improve workflow efficiency by reducing steps associated with blood containment.
• Suitable for medication administration, hydration therapy, and compatible peripheral infusion applications.
• Packaged 50 per box for convenient clinical stocking and supply management.

Compatibility and Applications

The Smiths Medical 3260 ViaValve IV Safety Catheter is intended for peripheral intravenous access where a 22G catheter is clinically appropriate. It may be used with compatible IV administration sets, extension sets, needleless connectors, syringes, and infusion systems according to facility protocol and the product instructions for use.

Common applications include peripheral IV therapy, short-term medication delivery, fluid administration, preoperative access, emergency care access, and outpatient infusion support. Clinicians should select catheter gauge and length based on the patients vein condition, therapy requirements, infusion type, expected dwell time, and institutional guidelines.

Usage Guidelines

• Use only by trained healthcare professionals following accepted peripheral IV insertion practices.
• Inspect the package before use and do not use if the sterile barrier is damaged or opened.
• Prepare the insertion site using approved antiseptic technique and facility infection control standards.
• Select an appropriate vein and confirm that 22G x 1 inch is suitable for the prescribed therapy.
• Follow the manufacturers instructions for insertion, activation of the safety mechanism, securement, flushing, and connection.
• Confirm catheter placement and patency before administering medication or fluids.
• Dispose of the needle component and used materials immediately in an approved sharps container.

Certifications and Safety Standards

The Smiths Medical 3260 ViaValve IV Safety Catheter is manufactured for professional medical use and should be handled in accordance with applicable healthcare safety standards, infection prevention policies, and facility procedures for peripheral vascular access devices. The safety catheter design supports occupational exposure reduction by helping protect clinicians from needlestick risk after use.

Facilities should confirm all applicable product labeling, regulatory clearances, sterility information, lot details, expiration date, and instructions for use before clinical application.

Comparison with Competitors

Compared with conventional peripheral IV catheters that may require additional steps to manage blood exposure, the Smiths Medical ViaValve design offers a more controlled insertion experience through its valve-supported blood containment feature. This can help reduce cleanup, improve clinician confidence, and support a more efficient IV start process.

When compared with standard safety catheters without integrated valve technology, the ViaValve catheter provides added workflow value by helping limit blood leakage during placement and connection. For facilities focused on safety, infection control, and operational efficiency, this product offers a practical balance of catheter performance, clinician protection, and supply reliability.

Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios

This catheter is commonly used by nurses, emergency clinicians, infusion specialists, vascular access teams, anesthesiology staff, and other trained healthcare professionals responsible for peripheral IV placement. It is appropriate for environments where safe and efficient vascular access is a daily requirement.

Typical use scenarios include emergency department IV starts, inpatient medication administration, ambulatory infusion, perioperative preparation, hydration therapy, and routine peripheral access in acute and non-acute care settings. The 22G size is often selected when a smaller-gauge catheter is preferred for patient comfort, smaller veins, or therapies that do not require a larger-bore catheter.

Best Practices for Use and Maintenance

• Choose the smallest appropriate gauge that can safely support the prescribed therapy.
• Use aseptic technique during insertion, securement, access, and maintenance.
• Stabilize the catheter properly to reduce movement, irritation, and infiltration risk.
• Assess the site regularly for redness, swelling, pain, leakage, occlusion, or signs of infection.
• Flush and maintain the catheter according to facility policy and clinical guidelines.
• Replace dressings, connectors, and administration components according to institutional protocol.
• Remove the catheter promptly when therapy is complete or if complications are suspected.

Regulatory and Safety Information

The Smiths Medical 3260 ViaValve IV Safety Catheter is intended for professional healthcare use only. Product use should follow the manufacturers instructions, facility policies, and applicable clinical standards for peripheral intravenous therapy. Do not reuse, resterilize, or use beyond the expiration date.

Clinicians should confirm patient suitability before use and monitor for potential IV therapy complications such as infiltration, extravasation, phlebitis, infection, catheter occlusion, or local irritation. Any adverse events, product issues, or suspected device malfunctions should be handled according to facility reporting procedures and applicable regulatory requirements.

How to Order

Select the Smiths Medical 3260 ViaValve IV Safety Catheter, 22G x 1" 50 /box 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.