A cannula is a thin, flexible medical tube inserted into the body to deliver fluids, medication, or oxygen, or to drain fluid out. The two most common types are the IV (intravenous) cannula, used to access a vein for fluids and medicines, and the nasal cannula, used to deliver supplemental oxygen. Cannulas come in different gauges (sizes), materials, and designs depending on the clinical purpose.
This guide covers everything a hospital, clinic, distributor, or home-care buyer needs to know about cannulas — what they are, the different types and sizes, how they're used, safety standards to look for, and how to source them reliably in bulk from OxyMed, a wholesale supplier and distributor of medical-grade cannulas.
A cannula is a small, hollow tube made of medical-grade plastic (PVC/PU) or stainless steel that clinicians insert into a vein, body cavity, or duct. The name comes from the Latin word for "little reed," which reflects its simple, tube-like shape.
Cannulas and catheters are often used interchangeably, though catheter usually refers specifically to devices used for bladder drainage, while "cannula" is the broader clinical term.
Common purposes of a cannula include:
Also called peripheral IV catheters, these are inserted into a vein — typically in the arm or hand — to give fluids, medication, or blood. Subtypes include:
A nasal cannula is a lightweight tube with two small prongs that rest inside the nostrils, connected to an oxygen source. It's used for patients who need low-to-moderate supplemental oxygen and is common in hospitals, ambulances, and home oxygen therapy.
Blunt-tipped micro cannulas are widely used in aesthetic medicine for dermal filler injections. Because the tip is blunt rather than sharp, they reduce the risk of puncturing blood vessels, which means less bruising and swelling compared to a needle.
Used in operating rooms for procedures such as laparoscopy, liposuction, and cardiac bypass surgery, where a cannula helps direct fluid, gas, or instruments into or out of the body.
IV cannulas are sized by "gauge" — the smaller the gauge number, the larger the tube diameter. Each gauge is also color-coded for quick identification.
| Gauge | Color | Typical Flow Rate | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14G | Orange | ~270 mL/min | Trauma, rapid blood transfusion |
| 16G | Grey | ~180 mL/min | Surgery, major fluid resuscitation |
| 18G | Green | ~90 mL/min | Blood transfusion, surgery |
| 20G | Pink | ~60 mL/min | General IV fluids and medication |
| 22G | Blue | ~35 mL/min | Standard adult and pediatric use |
| 24G | Yellow | ~20 mL/min | Pediatric, elderly, fragile veins |
| 26G | Purple | ~13 mL/min | Neonatal and very fine veins |
Flow rates are approximate and can vary by manufacturer and cannula design.
In aesthetic medicine specifically, cannulas are increasingly preferred over needles because their blunt tip glides beneath the skin with a single entry point, reducing trauma, bruising, and the number of needle sticks required.
Because cannulas make direct contact with blood, tissue, or the airway, quality and sterility are non-negotiable. When sourcing cannulas — whether for a hospital, clinic, or distribution business — check for:
Buying from an unverified or uncertified source can introduce serious patient-safety and compliance risks, which is why hospitals and clinics increasingly work with established wholesale suppliers rather than one-off vendors.
If you're procuring cannulas in bulk — for a hospital, pharmacy chain, aesthetic clinic network, or as a distributor — the supplier matters as much as the product. Look for:
OxyMed is a wholesaler and supplier of medical-grade cannulas, working directly with hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and distributors who need a dependable, compliant supply chain — not a one-time transaction.
What OxyMed focuses on for buyers:
If your organization needs a steady, verifiable cannula supply chain, OxyMed's wholesale team can walk you through gauge options, order quantities, and documentation before you commit to a purchase.
A cannula is used to deliver fluids, medication, blood, or oxygen into the body, or to drain fluid out. Common uses include IV therapy, oxygen delivery via nasal cannula, and minimally invasive cosmetic injections.
A needle is a rigid, sharp device generally used for a single puncture, while a cannula is a flexible tube that can remain in place for continued fluid or medication delivery, or that has a blunt tip for gentler tissue passage.
Adults commonly use 18G to 22G cannulas for routine IV fluids and medication, with larger gauges (14–16G) reserved for trauma or rapid transfusion, and smaller gauges (24–26G) used for fragile or difficult veins.
This depends on clinical guidelines and the patient's condition, but many hospital protocols recommend reviewing and, if needed, replacing a peripheral IV cannula every 72–96 hours to reduce infection risk. Always follow your facility's specific protocol.
No. Medical cannulas used for IV, oxygen, or injection purposes are single-use, sterile devices and should be disposed of safely after use to prevent contamination and infection.
Buyers typically source cannulas wholesale through a certified medical supplier or distributor, such as OxyMed, that can provide bulk quantities, consistent stock, and documentation for regulatory compliance.
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