Smiths Medical 326710 - Peripheral IV Catheter ViaValve 20 Gauge 1 Inch Retracting Safety Needle- Ref #3267

The Smiths Medical 326710 ViaValve Peripheral IV Catheter is designed for dependable peripheral venous access in clinical settings where safety, control, and patient comfort are essential. This 20 gauge x 1 inch IV catheter features a retracting safety needle and integrated valve technology to support efficient catheter placement while helping reduce exposure to blood and needlestick risk during routine IV procedures.

Built for healthcare professionals who require consistent performance, the ViaValve catheter supports smooth insertion, secure placement, and practical workflow efficiency. Its 20 gauge size is commonly selected for a broad range of infusion therapies, medication administration, hydration, and blood draw applications when clinically appropriate.

Key Benefits

• 20 gauge x 1 inch catheter size suitable for many general peripheral IV access needs
• Retracting safety needle helps support sharps injury prevention protocols
• Integrated valve design helps reduce blood exposure during catheter insertion
• Designed to support controlled placement and reliable clinical handling
• Suitable for hospitals, emergency departments, outpatient facilities, and infusion settings
• Helps improve procedural efficiency by reducing unnecessary cleanup and exposure risk
• Manufactured for professional healthcare use in accordance with facility protocols

Compatibility and Applications

The Smiths Medical 326710 ViaValve Peripheral IV Catheter is intended for peripheral intravenous access when selected by trained healthcare professionals based on patient condition, vein assessment, therapy requirements, and institutional policy. The 20 gauge size is commonly used for standard IV therapy, fluid administration, medication delivery, and other peripheral access needs where this gauge and length are appropriate.

This catheter is compatible with standard IV administration practices and may be used with appropriate IV tubing, extension sets, needleless connectors, securement devices, and dressings according to clinical protocol and manufacturer instructions. It is suitable for acute care, ambulatory care, urgent care, infusion therapy, and emergency care environments.

Usage Guidelines

Use the Smiths Medical 326710 ViaValve Peripheral IV Catheter only by trained clinical personnel and in accordance with the manufacturer instructions for use, facility procedures, and applicable infection prevention standards. Before insertion, verify product integrity, packaging condition, catheter size, expiration date, and patient suitability.

Prepare the insertion site using approved antiseptic technique. Select an appropriate vein, insert the catheter using standard peripheral IV access technique, confirm placement, retract the safety needle as instructed, and secure the catheter with an appropriate sterile dressing and securement method. Flush and maintain the catheter according to facility protocol and the prescribed therapy plan.

Certifications and Safety Standards

The Smiths Medical 326710 ViaValve Peripheral IV Catheter is designed for professional medical use and should be handled in accordance with applicable healthcare safety standards, sharps safety requirements, and infection control procedures. The retracting safety needle supports needlestick prevention practices, while the valve design helps support reduced blood exposure during placement.

Healthcare providers should confirm all current regulatory, packaging, sterility, and product labeling details before use. Follow the manufacturer instructions for use and any applicable facility, state, federal, and accreditation requirements for peripheral IV catheter placement and disposal.

Comparison with Competitors

Compared with conventional non-safety peripheral IV catheters, the Smiths Medical 326710 ViaValve catheter offers added safety features that help reduce needlestick exposure and support blood control during insertion. These features may help streamline the IV start process and improve clinician confidence in busy care environments.

While many standard IV catheters provide basic venous access, the ViaValve design combines a retracting safety needle with integrated valve technology, making it a practical choice for facilities focused on clinician safety, patient care consistency, and efficient IV access workflows. Product selection should always be based on clinical need, facility preference, and approved purchasing standards.

Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios

This product is typically used by nurses, emergency clinicians, infusion specialists, phlebotomy-trained staff, and other licensed healthcare professionals responsible for establishing peripheral IV access. It is appropriate for clinical teams that require a 20 gauge x 1 inch catheter for routine IV therapy and need a safety-focused design for frequent vascular access procedures.

Common application scenarios include emergency department starts, inpatient medication administration, perioperative preparation, outpatient infusion therapy, hydration therapy, urgent care treatment, and general hospital IV access. The catheter may also be selected in settings where reducing blood exposure and improving sharps safety are important operational priorities.

Best Practices for Use and Maintenance

Choose the catheter gauge and length based on patient anatomy, vein quality, therapy type, flow requirements, and institutional guidelines. Use aseptic technique throughout insertion and maintenance. Secure the catheter properly to reduce movement, irritation, and the risk of accidental dislodgement.

Inspect the IV site regularly for signs of infiltration, phlebitis, leakage, swelling, redness, discomfort, or other complications. Maintain patency according to facility flushing protocols and replace or remove the catheter when clinically indicated. Dispose of the used needle and device components in an approved sharps container immediately after use.

Regulatory and Safety Information

The Smiths Medical 326710 ViaValve Peripheral IV Catheter is intended for use by qualified healthcare professionals only. It should not be reused, resterilized, or used if the package is damaged, opened, contaminated, or expired. Follow all manufacturer labeling, facility policies, and applicable regulatory requirements for sterile single-use medical devices.

Always observe standard precautions, bloodborne pathogen safety practices, and approved sharps disposal procedures. Monitor the patient during and after catheter placement and respond promptly to any signs of adverse reaction, failed access, extravasation, infiltration, infection, or catheter-related complication.

How to Order

Select the Smiths Medical 326710 Peripheral IV Catheter ViaValve 20 Gauge 1 Inch Retracting Safety Needle- Ref #3267 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.