What color is a 14g IV catheter?

A 14-gauge IV catheter is typically identified by its orange color. This color coding system is vital for quickly identifying the size of the catheter, which is essential in emergency situations where time and accuracy are critical. The 14-gauge catheter is one of the larger sizes available, allowing for rapid fluid administration and blood transfusions, making it suitable for trauma patients or those requiring immediate care.

The colors of IV catheters are standardized, which helps healthcare providers communicate effectively about the equipment being used. Each gauge size corresponds to a specific color: the smaller gauges, like 18-gauge, are green, and 20-gauge catheters are typically pink. Thus, the orange color of the 14-gauge catheter stands out in emergency situations, allowing quick identification and enabling swift clinical decision-making regarding patient care.