What is a good gauge catheter for a saline infusion?

[bige13]

I was wondering what is a good gauge catheter for a saline infusion.


One question the smaller the number like 14 G catheter the needle is bigger, but if got up to the hight numbers the needle is smaller, am I right on that?

[imgaym]

I use a 24 Gauge x 3/4".

[mdimas]

You're correct—the smaller the number, the larger the needle, and vice-versa. I personally use either 21 or 22 gauge catheters. I've also used 22 and 19 gauge in the past as well. 19ga is nice as it flows pretty quickly, but the hole takes a bit longer/more pressing down on it to heal (but still doable). 22ga took no effort at all to heal, but ended up being one of the longest infusions I've done due to the smaller needle. That's why I do 21 or 22, as it's a nice medium. You can't really go wrong with anything in that range, so try a few for yourself to which combination of flow rate/healing time works best for you.