Equipment In addition to standard equipment needed to cannulate the radial artery, operators will need the following: Ultrasound machine with high frequency (eg, 5 to 10 MHz or higher), linear array probe (transducer) Sterile, water-based lubricant, single-use packet (preferred over multi-use bottle of ultrasound gel) Sterile probe cover, to ensheathe probe and probe cable, sterile rubber bands (alternatively, the probe may be placed within a sterile glove and the cord wrapped within a sterile drape) Additional Considerations Arterial catheterization is done under universal (barrier) precautions and sterile conditions.