Introcan Safety 3 PUR IV Catheter 24G 0.7 x 19mm

Product Overview

The Introcan Safety 3 PUR Catheter 24G represents B Braun's current-generation peripheral IV access platform, engineered specifically for patients requiring atraumatic vascular access in small or fragile veins. The 24-gauge (0.7 mm OD x 19 mm) configuration delivers approximately 22 mL/min gravity flow — adequate for hydration, electrolyte infusions, medication administration, and non-emergent blood product transfusion in paediatric or geriatric scenarios. The yellow colour coding follows international gauge-identification convention for immediate bedside size recognition.

The polyurethane (PUR) construction softens at body temperature to reduce mechanical phlebitis risk — a clinically relevant advantage over PTFE or FEP materials in small peripheral veins. The integrated passive safety mechanism covers the needle bevel automatically upon withdrawal, reducing needlestick injury risk per EU Directive 2010/32/EU and Singapore WSH guidelines. The device is DEHP-free, PVC-free, and latex-free.

Technical Specifications

Clinical Indications

• Neonatal and paediatric vascular access: Standard 24G gauge for neonates and infants (vessel diameter 1-3 mm); recommended by INS Standards of Practice 2021.
• Geriatric fragile veins: PUR softens at 37 degrees C, reducing phlebitis in elderly patients with thin-walled or tortuous peripheral veins.
• Oncology/haematology patients: Preserves remaining access sites in patients with chemotherapy-damaged vasculature or post-HSCT venous fragility.
• Non-emergent blood transfusion: Appropriate for packed red cells at 2-3 hours per unit; haemolysis is pressure-dependent not gauge-dependent (BCSH guidelines).
• Day-surgery and ambulatory hydration: Minimal trauma for short-dwell procedures in same-day surgical patients.
• Palliative infusion delivery: Analgesic and antiemetic administration in patients with limited venous capital.

Community Consensus Q&A

Q: Why is PUR preferred over PTFE for 24G catheters in fragile veins?
A: PUR softens at 37 degrees C to conform to vessel geometry, reducing intimal mechanical irritation. INS 2021 Standards of Practice note PUR shows lower phlebitis incidence versus PTFE/FEP in dwells beyond 24 hours — especially significant at smaller gauges where vessel-to-catheter diameter ratios are tightest.

Q: Does a 24G catheter cause haemolysis during blood transfusion?
A: No. BCSH guidelines confirm haemolysis is a function of shear stress (infusion pressure), not gauge alone. 24G is appropriate for non-emergent packed red cell transfusion at 2-3 hours per unit in neonates, children, and fragile adult veins.

Q: What dwell time is recommended in Singapore?
A: INS 2021 and WHO recommend clinically-indicated replacement rather than routine 72-96 hour rotation. Singapore MOH infection control guidelines align with this evidence-based approach — remove on evidence of phlebitis, infiltration, or discontinued need.

Q: How does passive needle safety differ from active systems?
A: Passive protection activates automatically on withdrawal with no additional action required. WHO and ISMP recommend passive over active systems because they eliminate failure-to-activate risk under procedural time pressure.

Q: How can Singapore facilities procure the Introcan 24G?
A: EMIS (Essential Medical International Supplies Pte Ltd) is the authorised Singapore distributor. Standard: 50 units/box, 200 units/carton. Institutional pricing, HSA documentation, procurement: emis.asia.