Blood replacement or transfusion is the IV administration of whole blood or a component such as plasma, packed red blood cells (RBCs), or platelets. The minimum gauge IV cannula necessary for administering a blood transfusion is:
1. 24 gauge
2. 22 gauge
3. 20 gauge
4. 18 gauge
ANS: 3
A large cannula such as an 18 gauge or 19 gauge is preferred because blood is more viscous than IV fluids, although smaller gauge sizes will accommodate transfusions. However, a catheter no smaller than a 20 gauge should be used to transfuse blood; 22- and 24-gauge cannulas are not recommended because they are too small to allow the viscous blood to flow freely through them. An 18 gauge is considered ideal, but the minimum-size cannula that should be used is a 20 gauge.
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