What Is an IV Cannula? Uses, Sizes, and Types Explained

An IV cannula (intravenous cannula) is one of the most commonly used medical devices in modern healthcare. It plays a vital role in intravenous therapy, allowing healthcare professionals to deliver fluids, blood, and medications directly into a patient’s bloodstream.

In this guide, we’ll explain what an IV cannula is, its uses, sizes, and types, and why choosing the right cannula is essential for patient safety and comfort.

What Is an IV Cannula?

An IV cannula is a small, flexible tube inserted into a vein with the help of a sharp introducer needle. Once the needle punctures the vein, the flexible cannula remains in place, while the needle is removed.

This device allows for:

1. Administration of IV fluids

2. Delivery of medications

3. Blood transfusions

4. Collection of blood samples

In short, an IV cannula is a gateway to safe, sterile intravenous therapy.

Common Uses of IV Cannulas

IV cannulas are widely used in:

1. Hospitals and clinics – for routine fluid and medication administration

2. Emergency care – for trauma patients requiring rapid IV infusion

3. Operating rooms – for anesthesia and perioperative fluid management

4. Dialysis and chemotherapy centers – for long-term IV treatments

By reducing the need for repeated needle punctures, IV cannulas improve both patient comfort and clinical efficiency.

IV Cannula Sizes Explained (14G–24G)

IV cannulas come in different gauge sizes, which indicate the internal diameter.

Types of IV Cannulas

There are several IV cannula designs, each suited to different clinical needs:

1. IV cannula with injection port – allows for multiple drug administration without additional punctures.

2. IV cannula with wings – provides stability and easy fixation, reducing the risk of dislodgement.

3. Standard IV cannula – used for routine short-term infusions.

Why Choose TICARE® IV Cannulas?

The TICARE® IV Cannula (14G–24G) is designed for safety, comfort, and ease of use:

1. Made from medical-grade, biocompatible materials

2. Color-coded hubs for quick size identification

3. Injection port and wing options available

4. Sterile, EO-gas sterilized, single-use only

5. OEM/ODM services for hospitals and distributors

View full specifications here: TICARE® IV Cannula 14G–24G

FAQs About IV Cannulas

Q1: What is an IV cannula used for?
An IV cannula is used for IV therapy, blood transfusions, and fluid administration.

Q2: What size IV cannula is used for blood transfusion?
An 18G IV cannula is commonly used for blood transfusions.

Q3: What is the smallest size IV cannula?
The 24G cannula (yellow) is one of the smallest, ideal for neonates and fragile veins.

Q4: Can IV cannulas be reused?
No. IV cannulas are single-use, sterile medical devices and must never be reused.

Final Thoughts

The IV cannula is an indispensable tool in patient care, available in multiple sizes (14G–24G) and types to suit different medical needs. Whether in emergency rooms, operating theaters, or long-term care settings, TICARE® IV Cannulas ensure safe and reliable intravenous therapy.