Skip to main content
We would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
Click Here for Christmas Delivery Times

Please note our offices and warehouses will be closed from 24th December until 2nd January 2025.

In-stock orders placed before 4:30pm on Friday 20th December should arrive before Christmas on a Next Working Day Delivery service. We are unable to guarantee this, however, as we rely on external couriers. Orders placed after this time will be processed and despatched as normal, but we cannot guarantee a pre-Christmas delivery. Any orders placed on Tuesday 24th December, or during the festive period, will be delivered in the first working days of the new year.

We recommend you place your order early, and look forward to serving you again in 2025.

Price Promise

Free Delivery on Orders Over £65*

£500 Instant Credit

0800 160 1621

sales@medisupplies.co.uk

Live Chat
0 items £0.00
Home Syringes & Needles Cannulas & Catheters

Cannulas & Catheters

Explore our extensive range of high-quality cannulas and catheters perfect for infusion therapy. Suitable for supporting healthcare professionals in delivering precise and reliable care across diverse medical applications.

BD Venflon Pro™ Peripheral IV Catheters
BD Venflon Pro™ Peripheral IV Catheters

Improved insertion increases first stick success, reducing risk of thrombophlebitis

£1.65
More Info
Venflon IV Cannula
Venflon IV Cannula

Integrated injection port and valve for peripheral catheterisation

£1.60
More Info
Terumo Surflo Winged Infusion Sets
Terumo Surflo Winged Infusion Sets

Our best selling winged sterile butterfly infusion needles

£0.35
More Info
Promotion-2
BD Safety-Lok Blood Collection Sets
BD Safety-Lok Blood Collection Sets

Safety at the push of a button, with or without luer adaptor

£42.90
More Info
Promotion-2
BD PosiFlush™ SP Pre-filled Flushing Syringes
BD PosiFlush™ SP Pre-filled Flushing Syringes

Ready-to-use, sterile pre-filled flushing syringes containing sodium chloride

£12.95
More Info
Promotion-3
Bristol Maid Mobile Infusion Stands - 2 Hook
Bristol Maid Mobile Infusion Stands - 2 Hook

Mobile infustion stands to accommodate patient needs

£206.00
More Info

What are Cannulas and Catheters?

Similarly, cannulas and catheters are both flexible medical tubes. Used to introduce or remove fluids, blood, or medication from the body. Applied in various medical settings, these devices provide essential access for treatments, diagnostics, and patient monitoring. Despite having similar functions, both serve different purposes and doctors typically insert them into different areas of the body.

What are Cannula's?

Cannulas are thin tubes inserted into a vein or body cavity. They are used to deliver medication, remove fluid, or insert surgical instrument.

The two main types of Cannula:

  • Intravenous (IV) Cannula - commonly used to administer fluids, medications or blood products directly into the blood stream. You can find each in various sizes, distinguished by specific colours for easy identification.

  • Nasal Cannula - Delivers supplemental oxygen or increased airflow to patients who need respiratory support.

Image Full

I.V. Cannula Sizes and Their Uses

Text And Image Content

Orange

Gauge: 14G

Flow Rate: 270ml/min (16.2L/hr)

Length: 45mm

 

Mainly used for trauma and high risk surgery. Or quicker infusion, of whole blood, blood components or viscous fluids

Text And Image Content

Grey

Gauge: 16G

Flow Rate: 200ml/min (12L/hr)

Length: 45mm

 

Healthcare professionals mainly use this when they need quick fluid or blood resuscitation. This often happens during major surgeries or for trauma patients.

Text And Image Content

White

Gauge: 17G

Flow Rate: 140ml/min (8.4L/hr)

Length: 45mm

 

Mainly used for administering IV fluids, medications, and blood products, especially in patients who need faster infusions.

Text And Image Content

Green

Gauge: 18G

Flow Rate: 85ml/min (5.1L/hr)

Length: 32mm

 

Mainly used for total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or for administering large volume of crystalloid fluids

Text And Image Content

Pink

Gauge: 20G

Flow Rate: 55ml/min (3.3L/hr)

Length: 32mm

 

This is the most common cannula size for adult patients, used in routine IV fluid and medication administration. 

Text And Image Content

Blue

Gauge: 22G

Flow Rate: 33ml/min (1.98L/hr)

Length: 45mm

 

Mainly used in paediatrics or adults with delicate veins. Designed for slow infusion, and commonly used in chemotherapy.

Text And Image Content

Yellow

Gauge: 24G

Flow Rate: 18ml/min (1.08L/hr)

Length: 19mm

 

Primarily used in neonates, infants, and elderly patients with very small or delicate veins. Designed for slow infusion rates.

Text And Image Content

Purple

Gauge: 26G

Flow Rate: 15ml/min (0.9L/hr)

Length: 19mm

 

Used for extremely fragile veins, usually in neonatal or paediatric care. Its small size limits the flow rate, making it useful for specific low-volume, slow infusion needs.

What are Catheters?

Catheters are more versatile and are used for a wide range of procedures, including the drainages of fluids, delivering medication or to assist in diagnostic procedures.

The main types of Catheter are:

  • Urinary Catheter – a common use for catheters. They help drain urine for patients who cannot do it themselves.
  • Peripheral Venous Catheter – for the administration of medication, nutrition or fluids directly into large veins.                                                                                                         

 

Image Full

What is the difference between Cannulas and Catheters?

DifferenceCannulaCatheter
PurposeUsed for fluid or medication delivery or withdrawalBroader functionality, including medication delivery, fluid drainage or diagnostic procedures
Insertion SiteCommonly inserted into veins, arteries, nasal passagesCommonly inserted into the bladder, heart, large veins, body cavities
DurationUsed for short-term or intermittent use, especially in IV therapies or procedures requiring quick accessDesigned for both short- and long-term use, particularly in cases where continuous drainage or extended access is required
Procedure TypeCommon procedures include IV infusions, blood transfusions, oxygen therapyCommon procedures include dialysis, urinary drainage, chemotherapy
Sizing SystemOften colour-coded by gauge size, especially for IV cannulas, to indicate flow ratesMarked by gauge size (diameter), which helps in selecting the appropriate size for specific medical needs

 

Importance of Proper Needle Disposal

Safe disposal is critical for preventing injury, contamination, and the spread of infectious diseases. Used needles pose serious health risks to healthcare workers, patients, and the public if not disposed of correctly. Always use approved sharps disposal containers, which are puncture-resistant and designed to prevent accidental needle sticks. Proper disposal procedures ensures a safer environment and complies with health and safety regulations, protecting everyone involved.

SAFELOC™ Black Needle Exchange Container
SAFELOC™ Black Needle Exchange Container

Securely Dispose of Sharps with SAFELOC™ - Safety and Convenience Combined

£1.25
More Info
Sharpsafe Solid Pharma Waste Bin
Sharpsafe Solid Pharma Waste Bin

Solid pharmaceutical waste such as medicine in or out of packaging

£5.40
More Info
Sharpsafe Cyto Sharps Bins
Sharpsafe Cyto Sharps Bins

Sharps contaminated with cytotoxic and cytostatic medicines

£3.80
More Info
Sharpsafe Medical Sharps Bins
Sharpsafe Medical Sharps Bins

Partially discharged & empty sharps including medicine contaminated

£3.80
More Info

Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for proper guidance on cannula and catheter usage.