IV Cannula Sizes and Color Coding Guide | Lars Medicare

In modern medical practice, IV Cannulation is one of the most frequently performed procedures. Whether it’s for delivering fluids, medications, or nutrition, selecting the correct IV Cannula size can make all the difference between a smooth infusion and patient discomfort.

But with multiple IV catheter sizes, gauges, and color codes, it’s easy to get confused — especially for new healthcare professionals.

This guide by Lars Medicare Private Limited — a trusted global IV Cannula manufacturer — explains everything you need to know about IV Cannula sizes, color coding, and their uses in different clinical situations.

1. What Is an IV Cannula and Why Size Matters

An IV Cannula (Intravenous Cannula) is a small, flexible tube inserted into a vein for delivering fluids or medications.

The size of the cannula determines:

• The rate of fluid flow

• The type of infusion (blood, medication, or fluids)

• The suitability for different patient groups (adults, children, or neonates)

Choosing the wrong size can result in:

• Painful insertion

• Vein injury or infiltration

• Slow or restricted fluid flow

Therefore, knowing which IV Cannula size to use for each situation is essential for safe and effective patient care.

2. Understanding IV Cannula Gauge Sizes

IV Cannula sizes are denoted in gauge (G) — the smaller the gauge number, the larger the needle diameter.

Here’s how the sizing system works:

• 14G = Largest diameter (used for rapid fluid infusion)

• 24G = Smallest diameter (used for infants and neonates)

Common IV Cannula Gauge Sizes:

Gauge (G)	Outer Diameter (mm)	Color Code	Flow Rate (ml/min)	Typical Use
14G	2.0	Orange	270	Major trauma, rapid transfusion
16G	1.7	Grey	180	Blood transfusion, emergency infusion
17G	1.5	White	125	Surgical, orthopaedic cases
18G	1.3	Green	90	Routine infusion, blood transfusion
20G	1.1	Pink	60	Medications, maintenance fluids
22G	0.9	Blue	36	Pediatric and geriatric patients
24G	0.7	Yellow	20	Neonates, infants, fragile veins
26G	0.6	Violet	12	Very delicate veins or NICU use

(Values are approximate and can vary slightly depending on the IV Cannula manufacturer.)

3. The Meaning of IV Cannula Color Codes

Color coding allows quick identification of cannula sizes during emergencies or routine use.

Every IV Cannula manufactured by Lars Medicare strictly follows the international ISO color code standard, ensuring compatibility across global healthcare systems.

Color Code	Gauge (G)	Flow Rate (ml/min)	Application
Orange	14G	270	Major trauma / rapid infusion
Grey	16G	180	Massive transfusion / surgery
White	17G	125	Orthopaedic and surgical use
Green	18G	90	Routine infusion / blood transfusion
Pink	20G	60	Medications / maintenance fluids
Blue	22G	36	Pediatrics / elderly
Yellow	24G	20	Neonates / fragile veins
Violet	26G	12	NICU / neonatal intensive care

Lars Medicare Advantage:

Every IV Cannula by Lars features color-coded hubs for instant recognition — reducing clinical errors and enhancing workflow efficiency.

4. Factors to Consider When Choosing IV Cannula Size

Choosing the right IV Cannula depends on several factors:

1. Type of Fluid or Medication

• Thicker fluids (blood, viscous drugs): Use larger gauges (14G–18G)

• Watery solutions (saline, antibiotics): Use smaller gauges (20G–24G)

2. Vein Condition

• Healthy, large veins: Suitable for 16G–18G

• Fragile or narrow veins: Prefer 22G–24G

3. Purpose of Cannulation

• Emergency transfusions: Use 14G–16G for rapid flow

• Routine infusions: 18G–20G is most common

• Pediatric care: 22G–24G is ideal

4. Patient Age and Health

• Adults: 18G–20G

• Children: 22G

• Neonates: 24G or 26G

By matching size to clinical need, healthcare workers can ensure both comfort and efficiency.

5. IV Cannula Sizes Used by Lars Medicare

Lars Medicare Private Limited manufactures a wide range of IV Cannula sizes to meet global healthcare requirements.

Available Sizes:

• 14G, 16G, 17G, 18G, 20G, 22G, 24G, and 26G

Each is available across multiple Lars models like:

• Provein® — Standard IV Cannula

• Provein® B — Blood Control Cannula

• Provein Safe® — Safety IV Cannula

• Safe Cath® Pro — Advanced safety infusion system

• Safety IV Cannula BCT — Closed System Cannula

Each product adheres to ISO 10555-5 and CE standards, ensuring global acceptance and patient safety.

6. IV Cannula Size vs Flow Rate

The flow rate through a cannula depends on its diameter and length. Larger cannulas deliver fluids faster — crucial during emergencies.

Gauge Size	Flow Rate (approx.)	Use Case
14G	270 ml/min	Massive trauma, blood loss
16G	180 ml/min	Rapid fluid replacement
18G	90 ml/min	General medicine / surgery
20G	60 ml/min	Routine IV therapy
22G	36 ml/min	Geriatric / pediatric patients
24G	20 ml/min	Neonatal care

Lars ensures each IV Cannula maintains accurate flow rates through precision-engineered catheter design and tip geometry.

7. How to Identify IV Cannula Sizes During Use

Each Lars Cannula includes:

• Color-coded hub for instant size identification

• Embossed gauge marking on packaging

• Transparent flashback chamber for visual confirmation

These features allow medical staff to select the correct gauge even under pressure or emergency conditions.

8. IV Cannula for Different Clinical Scenarios

Emergency and Trauma Care

Use 14G or 16G for rapid volume replacement and blood transfusion.

Surgery and Postoperative Care

Use 17G or 18G for anesthesia, fluids, and antibiotics.

General Medicine

Use 20G for medication delivery and saline infusions.

Pediatrics and Geriatrics

Use 22G for patients with smaller or fragile veins.

Neonatal Intensive Care

Use 24G or 26G for delicate venous access.

Lars provides all these variants under one umbrella — making it one of the leading IV Cannula manufacturers globally.

9. IV Cannula Color Coding – Quick Reference Chart

Color	Gauge	Flow Rate (ml/min)	Patient Type
Orange	14G	270	Adult trauma
Grey	16G	180	Emergency
White	17G	125	Surgery
Green	18G	90	General infusion
Pink	20G	60	Routine use
Blue	22G	36	Pediatrics
Yellow	24G	20	Neonates
Violet	26G	12	NICU / newborns

Tip: Always choose the largest size that fits the patient comfortably for optimal flow and minimal complications.

10. Why Choose Lars Medicare for IV Cannulas

Lars Medicare Private Limited is a globally recognized IV Cannula manufacturer and exporter offering world-class solutions for infusion therapy.

Key Advantages:

• Manufactured under ISO 13485 & WHO-GMP standards

• Multiple safety variants (BCT, Provein Safe®, Safe Cath®)

• Precise color-coded design

• EO sterilized, individually packed

• 100% leak-proof and latex-free construction

From standard to safety IV Cannulas, Lars ensures unmatched quality for hospitals and medical distributors worldwide.

Conclusion

Understanding IV Cannula sizes and color codes is fundamental for safe and effective IV therapy. The color-coded gauge system simplifies size selection, reduces confusion, and ensures proper fluid administration for every patient category.

Whether you’re dealing with emergency trauma or neonatal care, Lars Medicare Private Limited provides the perfect IV Cannula solution — engineered for accuracy, comfort, and confidence.

FAQs

1. What is the standard color code for IV Cannulas?

Orange (14G), Grey (16G), White (17G), Green (18G), Pink (20G), Blue (22G), Yellow (24G), and Violet (26G).

2. Which IV Cannula size is used for adults?

Typically, 18G or 20G is used for adults in general infusion.

3. Which size is suitable for pediatrics?

22G is ideal for pediatric and elderly patients.

4. Who manufactures reliable IV Cannulas in India?

Lars Medicare Private Limited — a trusted name among top IV Cannula manufacturers and exporters.

5. Why is IV Cannula color coding important?

It helps identify gauge size quickly and reduces human error during emergency care.