The most commonly used IV cannula in pediatrics is the 24 gauge (yellow) and the 22 gauge (blue) peripheral catheters or cannulas.
For IV cannulas in pediatrics the 24 gauge is standard for neonates, infants and also small children that have fragile veins.
And the 22 gauge IV cannulas are frequently used for older toddlers as well as children that require routine hydration or medication.
The 24 gauge (yellow) IV cannula is what is used for neonates, infants and young children up to around ae 5.
The 24 gauge (yellow) IV cannula is best for tiny, delicate or fragile veins to minimize any vessel trauma.
The 22 gauge (blue) IV cannula is used for older infants, toddlers and even school aged children and is used for routine IV therapy and slightly faster fluid rates or contrast administration.
The 20 gauge (pink) IV cannula is used for larger pediatric patients or for emergency rapid fluid boluses and is reserved for older kids/adolescents or when larger volumes are also necessary.
And the 22 gauge (purple) IV cannula is used for extremely low birth weight neonates or micro preemies and is used for specialized ultra small access.
The best anatomical IV insertion sites are often the back of the hand in children or feet in babies.
In babies and small children, securing a vein in the foot is often easier since the hand is more prone to movement.
Transillumination is a valuable tool to pinpoint veins in the dorsum of the hand.
Pediatric intravenous (IV) cannulation is a clinical procedure where a healthcare professional inserts a small, flexible tube called a cannula into a child's vein.
This is done to facilitate the administration of fluids, medications, or blood products directly into the circulatory system.
Due to the physical hazards and technical complexity involved in treating infants and children, this procedure must only be performed by licensed medical professionals in a controlled clinical environment.