Why 22G × 1" with Blood Control and Passive Safety for Versatile IV Access

The 22-gauge catheter (0.9mm outer diameter) with 1-inch (25mm) length represents the optimal balance for routine peripheral IV access—large enough to accommodate adequate fluid flow rates for maintenance therapy, medication administration, and blood sampling while small enough to access veins in patients with moderate vasculature including elderly patients, pediatric patients, and those with compromised veins. The Auto-Guard passive safety mechanism activates automatically upon needle withdrawal without requiring additional clinician action, eliminating human error and significantly reducing needlestick injury rates while streamlining insertion workflow. BC (Blood Control) technology features an integrated valve that minimizes blood exposure during catheter insertion and connection, protecting healthcare workers from blood-borne pathogen exposure while maintaining clean insertion sites. The Vialon™ biomaterial catheter softens up to 70% in the vein after insertion, conforming to vessel anatomy and reducing mechanical phlebitis rates compared to traditional materials, thereby extending dwell time and reducing painful catheter restarts.

Key Features & Benefits

Key Features:

• 22-gauge (22G) catheter with 0.9mm outer diameter for versatile IV access
• 1-inch (25mm) catheter length for standard peripheral vein access
• Auto-Guard passive safety mechanism automatically shields needle
• BC (Blood Control) technology minimizes blood exposure
• Vialon™ biomaterial softens in vein, reduces mechanical phlebitis
• Notched needle design improves blood visualization
• Transparent flashback chamber confirms vein entry
• Blue color-coded hub for 22G identification (ISO standard)
• Universal hub compatible with standard IV tubing
• Sterile, individually packaged
• Latex-free and DEHP-free construction
• Single-use, disposable design

Benefits:

• Passive safety eliminates human error in needle shielding
• Reduces needlestick injuries up to 95%
• BC technology protects workers from blood exposure
• Vialon material extends catheter dwell time 30-50%
• Decreased mechanical phlebitis improves patient comfort
• Fewer catheter restarts reduce costs and patient pain
• Color coding prevents gauge selection errors
• Latex-free protects sensitive patients and staff
• Universal compatibility simplifies IV setup

Clinical Applications

BD Insyte Auto-Guard BC Pro 22G × 1" catheters are appropriate for:

✓ General peripheral IV access for adult patients ✓ Pediatric IV access (older children and adolescents) ✓ Maintenance IV fluid therapy ✓ Antibiotic and medication administration ✓ Blood sample collection from peripheral IV ✓ Emergency department IV access ✓ Pre-operative and post-operative IV placement ✓ Outpatient infusion therapy ✓ Forearm and hand vein access ✓ Blood transfusion (non-urgent) ✓ Contrast media administration ✓ Labor and delivery IV access ✓ Home healthcare IV access ✓ Short-term peripheral IV access (up to 96 hours) ✓ Geriatric patients with moderate veins ✓ Ambulatory patients requiring IV therapy

Usage & Application

Setup and Insertion:

• Verify IV therapy order and patient identity
• Gather supplies and perform hand hygiene
• Apply tourniquet and select appropriate vein
• Clean site with chlorhexidine or alcohol (30-second dry time)
• Insert catheter at 10-30 degree angle until blood flash visible
• Lower angle and advance catheter off needle
• Release tourniquet and withdraw needle (passive safety activates automatically)
• Connect IV tubing or flush with saline
• Secure catheter with transparent dressing
• Label with date, time, and gauge

Blood Control Technology:

• BC valve automatically controls blood flow during insertion
• Minimizes blood exposure when connecting IV tubing
• Reduces cleanup time and contamination risk
• Protects healthcare workers from blood-borne pathogens

Passive Safety Activation:

• Simply withdraw needle straight back after catheter placement
• Auto-Guard mechanism automatically shields needle
• Audible/tactile click confirms needle locked in safety chamber
• No additional steps required from clinician

Catheter Maintenance:

• Assess site every 4 hours for signs of complications
• Flush with 10 mL saline every 8-12 hours if saline lock
• Change transparent dressing every 5-7 days or when compromised
• Monitor for infiltration, phlebitis, or occlusion
• Remove catheter when no longer needed or if complications arise

Flow Rate: Approximately 31-36 mL/min at gravity flow (patient-dependent)

Technical Specifications

Product Details:

• Brand: BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company)
• Product Line: Insyte™ Auto-Guard™ BC Pro
• Catheter Gauge: 22G (0.9mm outer diameter)
• Catheter Length: 1 inch (25mm)
• Catheter Material: Vialon™ biomaterial (FEP - fluorinated ethylene propylene)
• Safety Feature: Auto-Guard passive safety mechanism
• Blood Control: BC technology with integrated valve
• Hub Color: Blue (ISO standard for 22G)
• Flow Rate: Approximately 31-36 mL/min at gravity flow
• Sterility: Sterile, single-use only
• Sterilization Method: Ethylene oxide (EtO)
• Latex Content: Latex-free (no natural rubber latex)
• DEHP Content: DEHP-free
• Packaging: Individually wrapped in sterile peel-open package
• Shelf Life: Typically 3-5 years from manufacture (check package)
• Intended Use: Peripheral intravenous access for infusion therapy
• Dwell Time: Up to 96 hours or as clinically indicated
• Patient Population: Adults, adolescents, older children
• Regulatory Status: FDA-cleared medical device, Class II
• Standards Compliance: ISO 10555 (sterile single-use intravascular catheters)