By providing increased access and flexibility in employee benefits, employers can not only recruit but retain qualified employees; Providing benefits to employees is seen as managing high-risk coverage at low costs and easing the company's financial burden
While an 18-gauge, or a catheter measuring 0.234 inches (about 5.94 mm), used to be the standard, the development of short peripheral catheters with smaller but stronger walls made it possible to use a smaller size for a larger fluid flow.
A peripheral intravenous line (20 gauge) in the antecubital or forearm area is preferred when power injections are needed in adults. Although 22-gauge catheters may be able to tolerate flow rates up to 5 ml/sec, the 20-gauge or larger catheter is preferable for flow rates of 3 ml/sec or higher.