The ability to deliver fluid to the pediatric patient is a function of many variables. In addition to patient specific factors such as patient age, size, and weight, and venous size, number, and character, there exist further universal limitations inherent in the equipment which is utilized. Mechanical variables include cannula number, length, brand, and gauge; tubing length, band, style, and gauge; use of extensions; and presence and type of pressure system. This study evaluated a few of these variables. The flow rates were determined for 10 brands of 20-, 22-, and 24-gauge peripheral intravenous catheters. The catheter brands were divided into two groups, slow or faster. The differences in flow between the two categories were statistically significant. The disparities between the slowest and most rapid catheters of the same gauge were only 6.6, 5.4, and 7.7 ml/ min for the 20, 22, and 24 gauges, respectively. The tubing apparatus was also a significant determinant of flow. The addition of any extensions further decreased flow. The magnitude of this slowing was a function of both the tubing and the type of extension
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