IV Cannula Types, Colour Coding Uses

IV Cannula Types, Colour Coding & Uses: Complete Guide

In the modern healthcare landscape, intravenous (IV) therapy is one of the most common and essential medical procedures — used for fluid administration, blood transfusion, and drug delivery. At the core of this process lies a simple yet vital device — the IV Cannula.

An IV cannula ensures safe, controlled, and sterile access to the patient’s vein, allowing healthcare professionals to deliver medications or fluids efficiently.

At Iscon Surgicals Ltd, we manufacture a comprehensive range of high-quality IV Cannulas designed for reliability, precision, and patient comfort — trusted by hospitals and medical professionals across India and worldwide.

What is an IV Cannula?

An IV Cannula (Intravenous Cannula) is a small, flexible tube inserted into a vein to administer fluids, medications, or blood products directly into the bloodstream.

It provides a secure, long-term venous access point and reduces the need for multiple needle pricks, ensuring better patient experience and faster recovery.

All IV Cannulas from Iscon Surgicals Ltd are:

Manufactured with advanced precision engineering.
Made from medical-grade, biocompatible materials.
ETO sterilized for maximum safety.
Available in both Soft & Hard Blister Packs.

Types of IV Cannula (Intravenous Cannula)

Iscon Surgicals offers multiple IV cannula variants to meet diverse medical requirements and patient needs:

1. With Wings & Injection Port

Features a silicone-tipped stainless steel needle for smooth puncture.
Includes a one-way injection valve with a protective cap for additional medication administration.
Angled wings ensure secure fixation and ease of handling.
Equipped with radio-opaque lines, a luer cap, and colour-coded body as per ISO standards.

Best For: General IV therapy, medication administration, and multiple drug infusions.

2. With Wings & Without Injection Port

Designed with a flashback chamber for quick blood visualization.
Angled wings for secure fixation and additional protection.
Colour-coded hub and triple-point needle with standard luer taper ensure safety and ease of use.

Best For: Continuous fluid therapy and single-drug infusions.

3. Small Wings & Without Injection Port

Compact design with flexible small wings — ideal for neonatal or pediatric care.
Available in 24G and 26G with 19mm length.
Includes a colour-coded body and radio-opaque Teflon catheter for easy identification.

Best For: Infants, neonates, and patients with delicate or small veins.

4. Without Wings & Without Injection Port

Ergonomic and easy-to-handle design for single-use access.
Minimizes patient discomfort while ensuring effective fluid transfer.
Features a colour-coded hub, triple-point needle, and radio-opaque Teflon catheter.

Best For: Short-term or single-dose IV procedures.

Available Packaging: All IV Cannula variants are available in Hard Blister Packs, ensuring safety, sterility, and convenience in clinical environments.

IV Cannula Colour Coding Chart

The colour coding system in IV cannulas helps healthcare professionals identify gauge sizes quickly — ensuring correct selection based on flow rate and application.

Below is the standard IV Cannula colour coding reference as per Iscon Surgicals Ltd specifications:

Gauge (G)	Catheter OD (mm)	Catheter Length (mm)	Flow Rate (ml/min)	Colour Code	Common Uses
14G	2.1 mm	45 mm	270 ml/min	Orange	Rapid blood transfusion, trauma, emergency
16G	1.7 mm	45 mm	180 ml/min	Grey	Blood transfusion, surgery, large-volume fluids
17G	1.5 mm	45 mm	125 ml/min	White	Blood transfusion, major surgeries
18G	1.3 mm	45 mm	90 ml/min	Green	Blood transfusion, IV fluids, general use
20G	1.0 mm	32 mm	60 ml/min	Pink	General IV use, medications, routine fluids
22G	0.8 mm	25 mm	36 ml/min	Blue	Small veins, pediatrics, elderly patients
24G	0.6 mm	19 mm	20 ml/min	Yellow	Neonates, delicate veins
26G	0.45 mm	19 mm	13 ml/min	Violet	Neonatal intensive care, fragile veins
(As per ISO 10555 standards)

Uses of IV Cannulas in Medical Practice

IV cannulas are an integral part of patient care and have a wide range of applications:

Fluid Therapy: For rehydration and electrolyte balance.
Medication Delivery: To administer antibiotics, painkillers, and other drugs.
Blood Transfusions: Ensures controlled, sterile blood administration.
Parenteral Nutrition: For patients unable to take food orally.
Emergency Care: Rapid infusion during trauma or cardiac arrest.

Each Iscon Surgical IV Cannula ensures minimal trauma, smooth insertion, and secure fixation, enhancing both patient safety and clinician efficiency.

Advantages of Iscon Surgicals IV Cannulas

Sterile & Pyrogen-Free: Ensures complete patient safety.
Colour-Coded Hub: Quick size identification.
Smooth Insertion: Siliconized needle minimizes pain.
Leak-Proof Design: Prevents backflow and infection risk.
Advanced ETO Sterilization: Maintains purity and long shelf life.

Conclusion

The choice of IV cannula — its type, size, and colour code — can directly impact treatment efficiency and patient comfort. Understanding these variations ensures proper clinical application and optimal care outcomes.

With decades of expertise, Iscon Surgicals Ltd remains a trusted name in disposable medical products manufacturing, delivering excellence through quality, safety, and innovation.

If you’re looking for reliable IV Cannulas that meet international standards, explore the complete range at Iscon Surgicals Ltd — where precision meets patient care.