Introcan Safety 3 PUR IV Catheter 22G 0.9 x 25mm

Product Specifications

Clinical Indications

• Paediatric IV access — preferred gauge in children aged 2–12 years for peripheral cannulation
• Elderly patients with fragile, narrow, or rolling veins where 20G or larger causes trauma
• Low-flow continuous IV infusions — maintenance fluids, electrolyte replacement, antiemetics
• IV antibiotic therapy (IVAB) — where vein diameter limits use of 20G or larger
• Oncology supportive care infusions not requiring high flow rates
• Outpatient and home care IV therapy with extended catheter dwell requirements

Community Consensus: Clinical Q&A

Q: Is 22G appropriate for blood transfusion?
A 22G catheter can be used for blood transfusion in emergencies or when larger access is not achievable, particularly in paediatric or elderly patients. The lower flow rate (~36 mL/min) means transfusion will be slower than with 18G or 20G. For adult packed red cell transfusions requiring completion within 4 hours per unit, a 20G or larger is strongly preferred. Neonatal and paediatric transfusion protocols may specify 22G or 24G depending on patient weight and vein size.

Q: What is the maximum dwell time for a 22G PUR catheter?
Singapore MOH and international guidelines (CDC 2011, INS 2021) recommend peripheral IV catheter replacement every 72–96 hours clinically indicated replacement, rather than routine scheduled replacement. PUR catheters like the Introcan Safety 3 are associated with lower phlebitis rates during extended dwell due to thermosoftening — however, dwell time should not exceed 96 hours without clinical reassessment. All catheters should be removed immediately on any sign of phlebitis, infiltration, or occlusion.

Q: How does the blue hub colour help in clinical workflow?
The blue hub colour follows ISO 10555 gauge colour coding: 22G = blue. This universal colour standard allows clinicians to immediately identify catheter gauge at a glance without reading product labels, reducing insertion errors in multi-patient or emergency settings. The colour is consistent across all ISO-compliant IV catheter manufacturers, including B Braun, BD, and Smiths Medical.

Q: Why choose PUR over standard FEP for a 22G catheter?
At 22G, catheter stiffness is critical — a stiffer catheter is easier to insert through skin and vein wall but causes more mechanical irritation post-insertion. Polyurethane (PUR) balances insertion stiffness (similar to FEP at room temperature) with post-insertion softening at 37°C, reducing the catheter's pressure on the vein intima. This thermosoftening property makes PUR particularly advantageous in 22G and smaller gauges where long dwell times in small or fragile veins are common.

Q: Is the Introcan Safety 3 PUR 22G available for clinic purchase in Singapore?
Yes. The Introcan Safety 3 PUR 22G is available through EMIS (Essential Medical International Supplies Pte Ltd), authorised B Braun distributor in Singapore. The device is HSA-registered as a Class B medical device. Orders are fulfilled for hospitals, polyclinics, private clinics, and licensed home care providers. Contact EMIS for B2B pricing and minimum order quantities.