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Cannulas & Catheters

Explore our extensive range of high-quality cannulas and catheters perfect for infusion therapy. Suitable for supporting healthcare professionals in delivering precise and reliable care across diverse medical applications.

What are Cannulas and Catheters?

Similarly, cannulas and catheters are both flexible medical tubes. Used to introduce or remove fluids, blood, or medication from the body. Applied in various medical settings, these devices provide essential access for treatments, diagnostics, and patient monitoring. Despite having similar functions, both serve different purposes and doctors typically insert them into different areas of the body.

What are Cannulas?

Cannulas are thin tubes inserted into a vein or body cavity. They are used to deliver medication, remove fluid, or insert surgical instrument.

The two main types of Cannula:

Intravenous (IV) Cannula - commonly used to administer fluids, medications or blood products directly into the blood stream. You can find each in various sizes, distinguished by specific colours for easy identification.
Nasal Cannula - Delivers supplemental oxygen or increased airflow to patients who need respiratory support.

I.V. Cannula Sizes and Their Uses

Orange

Gauge: 14G

Flow Rate: 270ml/min (16.2L/hr)

Length: 45mm

Mainly used for trauma and high risk surgery. Or quicker infusion, of whole blood, blood components or viscous fluids

Grey

Gauge: 16G

Flow Rate: 200ml/min (12L/hr)

Length: 45mm

Healthcare professionals mainly use this when they need quick fluid or blood resuscitation. This often happens during major surgeries or for trauma patients.

White

Gauge: 17G

Flow Rate: 140ml/min (8.4L/hr)

Length: 45mm

Mainly used for administering IV fluids, medications, and blood products, especially in patients who need faster infusions.

Green

Gauge: 18G

Flow Rate: 85ml/min (5.1L/hr)

Length: 32mm

Mainly used for total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or for administering large volume of crystalloid fluids

Pink

Gauge: 20G

Flow Rate: 55ml/min (3.3L/hr)

Length: 32mm

This is the most common cannula size for adult patients, used in routine IV fluid and medication administration.

Blue

Gauge: 22G

Flow Rate: 33ml/min (1.98L/hr)

Length: 45mm

Mainly used in paediatrics or adults with delicate veins. Designed for slow infusion, and commonly used in chemotherapy.

Yellow

Gauge: 24G

Flow Rate: 18ml/min (1.08L/hr)

Length: 19mm

Primarily used in neonates, infants, and elderly patients with very small or delicate veins. Designed for slow infusion rates.

Purple

Gauge: 26G

Flow Rate: 15ml/min (0.9L/hr)

Length: 19mm

Used for extremely fragile veins, usually in neonatal or paediatric care. Its small size limits the flow rate, making it useful for specific low-volume, slow infusion needs.

What are Catheters?

Catheters are more versatile and are used for a wide range of procedures, including the drainages of fluids, delivering medication or to assist in diagnostic procedures.

The main types of Catheter are:

Urinary Catheter – a common use for catheters. They help drain urine for patients who cannot do it themselves.
Peripheral Venous Catheter – for the administration of medication, nutrition or fluids directly into large veins.

What is the difference between Cannulas and Catheters?

Difference	Cannula	Catheter
Purpose	Used for fluid or medication delivery or withdrawal	Broader functionality, including medication delivery, fluid drainage or diagnostic procedures
Insertion Site	Commonly inserted into veins, arteries, nasal passages	Commonly inserted into the bladder, heart, large veins, body cavities
Duration	Used for short-term or intermittent use, especially in IV therapies or procedures requiring quick access	Designed for both short- and long-term use, particularly in cases where continuous drainage or extended access is required
Procedure Type	Common procedures include IV infusions, blood transfusions, oxygen therapy	Common procedures include dialysis, urinary drainage, chemotherapy
Sizing System	Often colour-coded by gauge size, especially for IV cannulas, to indicate flow rates	Marked by gauge size (diameter), which helps in selecting the appropriate size for specific medical needs

Importance of Proper Needle Disposal

Safe disposal is critical for preventing injury, contamination, and the spread of infectious diseases. Used needles pose serious health risks to healthcare workers, patients, and the public if not disposed of correctly. Always use approved sharps disposal containers, which are puncture-resistant and designed to prevent accidental needle sticks. Proper disposal procedures ensures a safer environment and complies with health and safety regulations, protecting everyone involved.

SAFELOC™ Black Needle Exchange Container

Securely Dispose of Sharps with SAFELOC™ - Safety and Convenience Combined

£1.25

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Sharpsafe Solid Pharma Waste Bin

Solid pharmaceutical waste such as medicine in or out of packaging

£4.00

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Sharpsafe Cyto Sharps Bins

Sharps contaminated with cytotoxic and cytostatic medicines

£2.25

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Sharpsafe Medical Sharps Bins

Partially discharged & empty sharps including medicine contaminated

£3.00

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Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for proper guidance on cannula and catheter usage.

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Cannulas & Catheters

What are Cannulas and Catheters?

What are Cannulas?

I.V. Cannula Sizes and Their Uses

Orange

Grey

White

Green

Pink

Blue

Yellow

Purple

What are Catheters?

What is the difference between Cannulas and Catheters?

Importance of Proper Needle Disposal