IV Catheter Sizes Explained: Color Codes, Gauge & Selection Guide
Intravenous (IV) catheters are essential medical devices used to deliver fluids, medications, blood products, and nutrition directly into a patient’s bloodstream. Selecting the correct IV catheter size is critical for patient comfort, safety, and effective therapy. This guide explains IV catheter sizes, standard color codes, gauge meanings, and how to choose the right catheter for different clinical needs. What Does IV Catheter Gauge Mean? IV catheter size is measured in gauge (G) . Unlike many measurements , a smaller gauge number means a larger catheter diameter, while a larger gauge number indicates a thinner catheter. For example, a 14G catheter is much larger than a 22G catheter. The gauge directly impacts: Flow rate of fluids or blood Type of therapy administered Vein size and patient condition Higher flow requirements need larger gauges, while fragile or small veins require smaller gauges. IV Catheter Color Codes and Sizes To make identification quick ...