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A plastic IV Catheter needle is a device used to draw blood and give treatments, including intravenous fluids, drugs, or blood transfusions. It consists of a thin, flexible tube (catheter) inserted into a vein, typically in the arm or hand, and secured with tape or an adhesive dressing.
Plastic IV catheter needles come in various sizes, typically measured in gauge, which refers to the diameter of the catheter. The smaller the gauge number, the larger the diameter of the catheter. Common gauges range from 14 to 24, with 18 and 20 being the most commonly used sizes for general purposes.
IV catheter needles are typically used for initial venous access.
peripheral intravenous catheters are designed for longer-term venous access, these catheters consist of a flexible plastic tube (cannula) inserted into a peripheral vein (usually in the arm or hand).
Unlike IV catheter needles, peripheral intravenous catheters do not involve a separate needle for insertion into the vein. Instead, the catheter is inserted directly into the vein, and the needle is withdrawn, leaving the catheter in place.
