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.
In general, peripheral catheters are preferred when IV access is required for shorter periods, when direct access to the central circulation is unnecessary, and when smaller gauge catheters suffice. Peripheral access is generally safer, easier to obtain, and less painful than central access.