Smiths Medical 326010 - CATHETER, SAFETY. VIAVALVE, IV, 22'X1", 50/BX

The Smiths Medical 326010 ViaValve IV Safety Catheter is a professional-grade peripheral intravenous catheter designed for reliable vascular access in clinical care settings. This 22G x 1 inch safety IV catheter is commonly selected for patients who require controlled venous access for medication administration, fluid therapy, blood draws when clinically appropriate, and short-term infusion procedures.

The ViaValve design supports safer catheter placement by combining a safety-focused needle mechanism with blood-control functionality. Its 22 gauge size and 1 inch catheter length make it a practical option for many routine IV starts, especially where a smaller-gauge catheter is preferred for patient comfort, controlled flow, and access to smaller or more delicate veins.

Key Benefits

• 22G x 1 inch size supports routine peripheral IV access in a wide range of clinical applications.
• Integrated safety design helps reduce the risk of accidental needlestick exposure during and after insertion.
• Blood-control valve helps limit blood leakage during catheter setup and connection.
• Designed to support cleaner insertion technique and a more controlled access site.
• Suitable for hospitals, outpatient clinics, infusion centers, emergency departments, and other professional healthcare environments.
• Blue color coding supports quick gauge identification in busy clinical settings.
• Supplied as 50 catheters per box for efficient clinical inventory management.

Compatibility and Applications

The Smiths Medical 326010 ViaValve IV Safety Catheter is intended for peripheral intravenous access and is compatible with standard clinical IV procedures when used according to facility protocols and applicable product instructions. It may be used with appropriate IV extension sets, administration sets, needleless connectors, securement products, dressings, and flush solutions selected by the healthcare facility.

Typical applications include short-term peripheral venous access, medication delivery, hydration therapy, perioperative IV access, emergency department access, outpatient infusion support, and general inpatient care. The 22G x 1 inch configuration is often useful when balancing access performance with patient comfort and vein preservation.

Usage Guidelines

• Use only by trained healthcare professionals following facility-approved IV insertion protocols.
• Inspect the catheter package before use and do not use if the package is damaged, opened, or compromised.
• Select the appropriate vein, catheter gauge, and insertion site based on patient condition, therapy requirements, and clinical judgment.
• Prepare the site using aseptic technique and approved skin antisepsis procedures.
• Insert the catheter according to the manufacturers instructions for use and confirm proper placement before connecting therapy.
• Secure the catheter with an appropriate dressing or securement device to reduce movement and support catheter stability.
• Monitor the insertion site regularly for infiltration, phlebitis, leakage, occlusion, pain, swelling, redness, or other signs of complications.
• Dispose of the used needle and catheter components according to sharps safety and biomedical waste protocols.

Certifications and Safety Standards

The Smiths Medical 326010 ViaValve IV Safety Catheter is designed for professional healthcare use and should be handled according to applicable institutional policies, infection control procedures, and sharps safety requirements. Healthcare facilities should confirm product labeling, packaging, expiration date, and any applicable regulatory documentation before clinical use.

Safety practices should align with recognized standards for peripheral IV catheter placement, bloodborne pathogen exposure prevention, aseptic technique, sharps disposal, and medical device handling. Staff should follow the manufacturers instructions for use as well as local, state, and federal requirements that apply to vascular access devices.

Comparison with Competitors

Compared with standard non-safety IV catheters, the Smiths Medical 326010 ViaValve IV Safety Catheter offers the added advantage of a safety-focused design that helps reduce needlestick exposure risk. Compared with catheters that do not include blood-control features, the ViaValve design helps limit blood leakage during insertion and setup, supporting a cleaner working field and improved procedural control.

For facilities comparing safety IV catheter options, this product provides a strong balance of patient comfort, clinician protection, routine compatibility, and inventory efficiency. The 22G x 1 inch size is especially useful for everyday peripheral IV access where a smaller gauge catheter is clinically appropriate.

Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios

This product is commonly used by nurses, emergency department teams, infusion clinicians, anesthesia staff, outpatient care teams, and other trained healthcare professionals who place peripheral IV lines. It is well suited for facilities that prioritize safety-engineered IV devices, blood exposure reduction, and consistent catheter performance across routine patient care settings.

Common scenarios include adult and adolescent peripheral IV starts, outpatient infusion visits, preoperative IV access, emergency hydration or medication access, inpatient medication administration, and general clinical use where a 22G catheter is appropriate for the prescribed therapy.

Best Practices for Use and Maintenance

• Choose the smallest appropriate catheter gauge that can safely support the prescribed therapy.
• Use aseptic technique during insertion, connection, dressing changes, and catheter maintenance.
• Stabilize the catheter properly to reduce movement, irritation, and accidental dislodgement.
• Label and document catheter placement according to facility requirements.
• Assess the IV site frequently and remove the catheter if complications are suspected.
• Flush and maintain the line only according to approved protocols and clinical indications.
• Store unused catheters in a clean, dry area away from contamination, heat, moisture, and direct damage.
• Rotate stock according to expiration dates and facility inventory procedures.

Regulatory and Safety Information

The Smiths Medical 326010 ViaValve IV Safety Catheter is intended for use by qualified healthcare professionals in accordance with the manufacturers instructions for use, facility policy, and applicable medical device regulations. It should not be reused, resterilized, or used if packaging integrity is compromised.

Clinical teams should follow all required sharps safety procedures, bloodborne pathogen precautions, infection prevention protocols, and biomedical waste disposal requirements. Product selection should be based on patient needs, prescribed therapy, vein condition, expected dwell time, and professional clinical judgment.

How to Order

Select the Smiths Medical 326010 CATHETER, SAFETY. VIAVALVE, IV, 22'X1", 50/BX 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.