Justin Richard Technical Writing

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A Description of a 20-gauge Intravenous Catheter A 20-gauge intravenous catheter, commonly known as an IV, is a medical device that nurses, paramedics, and other medical professionals use to route medications and fluids into the veins of humans and animals. The catheter is the part of the device that advances into and remains in the vein after the needle penetrates the skin and is inserted into the vein. The needle has penetrated the vein when blood is seen in the flash chamber. After advancing the catheter, by pushing the hub forward, pressure is put above the insertion site with the use of two fingers or the thumb and the needle is withdrawn into the safety barrel by pushing the activation button which expands the spring. Below are detailed descriptions of the parts that make up an IV, including their dimensions, materials, principles of operation, function, and relation to other parts.

https://quadmed.com/bd-insyte-autoguard-shielded-iv-catheter/ Catheter. The catheter surrounds the needle and is inserted into the vein after it punctures the skin and the wall of the vein. Its materials are BD Vialin from a class of polyurethanes making it easy to advance. The outside diameter of the catheter is 1.1 mm with a length of 25 mm.

Hub. The hub is the pink colored part of the IV that is connected to the catheter. The color of the hub indicates the size of the device being used. It also allows for easy access to the catheter for flushing or changing IV tubing.

Needle. The needle is 1 inch long and a 0.908 mm in diameter with a sharp angled bevel that pierces the skin at an angle. The needle penetrates the wall of the vein creating a flash of blood in the flash chamber. The needle is then retracted into the safety barrel when triggering the activation button causes the spring to expand.

Flash Chamber. After the needle penetrates the border of the vein blood will flow through the needle and collect into the clear flash chamber. This flash will indicate that the needle has advanced deep enough to advance the catheter into the vein.

Activation Button. Once flash is obtained the needle is withdrawn while pressure is maintained above the insertion site with a thumb or two fingers to keep blood from leaving the catheter. The white activation button is pushed triggering the expansion of the spring that retracts the needle into the safety chamber.

Spring. When the catheter has been advanced into the vein pressure is put on the vein. The needle is then withdrawn and retracted into the safety chamber by pushing the activation button which triggers the spring to expand and pull the needle into the chamber.

https://www.ccdhb.org.nz/working-with-us/nursing-and-midwifery/nursing-at-ccdhb/primary-and-community-nursing/iv-cannulation-drug-administration-primary-care-2017-final.pdf

Safety Chamber. The spring expands and retracts the needle from the catheter and into the clear safety chamber. The chamber provides a barrier to reduce the chances of an accidental stick from the needle. The used needle, safely secured in the safety chamber, is then disposed of in a red biohazard box.

Conclusion: A 20-gauge intravenous Catheter is a valuable tool that is used to provide intravenous therapies to humans and animals. Healthcare professionals combine procedure and aseptic techniques to safely deliver medication into the bloodstream. Proper use and maintenance of the device are essential to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes.

Catheter

Needle Hub

Activation Button

Flash Chamber

Spring

Safety Chamber

Justin Richard Technical Writing

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Works Cited

Bd Insyte™ Autoguard™ Shielded Iv Catheter. (n.d.). QuadMed. Retrieved May 30, 2023, from

https://quadmed.com/bd-insyte-autoguard-shielded-iv-catheter/.

IV Cannulation Drug Administration Primary Care 2017 final. (2017). Retrieved May 30, 2023,

from https://www.ccdhb.org.nz/working-with-us/nursing-and-midwifery/nursing-at-

ccdhb/primary-and-community-nursing/iv-cannulation-drug-administration-primary-care-

2017-final.pdf