ISO/DIS 10555-5:2026(en)
ISO/TC 84
Secretariat: DS
Date: 2025-12-23
Intravascular catheters — Sterile and single-use catheters — Part 5: Over-needle peripheral intravenous catheters
Cathéters intravasculaires — Cathéters stériles et non réutilisables — Partie 5: Cathéters périphériques à aiguille interne
© ISO 2026
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Contents
4.4 Information to be supplied by the manufacturer 4
Annex A (normative) Determination of strength of union of needle hub and needle tube 5
Annex B (informative) Colours for opaque catheter hubs 6
Annex C (informative) Needle point geometries 7
Annex D (normative) Determination of liquid leakage from vent fitting 8
D.10 Test report for Test B 10
Annex E (informative) Rationale for requirements 12
Foreword
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This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 84, Devices for administration of medicinal products and intravascular catheters.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 10555-5:2013), which has been technically revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— xxx xxxxxxx xxx xxxx:
Drafting note: list will be inserted after DIS stage.
A list of all parts in the ISO 10555-series can be found on the ISO website.
Attention is drawn to ISO 11070, which specifies requirements for accessory devices for use with intravenous catheters, and to ISO 14972, which specifies requirements for sterile obturators for use with over-needle peripheral intravenous catheters.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
Intravascular catheters — Sterile and single-use catheters — Part 5: Over-needle peripheral intravenous catheters
1.0 Scope
This document specifies requirements for over-needle peripheral intravenous catheters, intended for accessing the peripheral venous system, supplied in the sterile condition and intended for single use.
2.0 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 80369‑7, Small-bore connectors for liquids and gases in healthcare applications — Part 7: Connectors for intravascular or hypodermic applications
ISO 9626, Stainless steel needle tubing for the manufacture of medical devices
ISO 10555‑1, Intravascular catheters — Sterile and single-use catheters — Part 1: General requirements
3.0 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 10555-1 and the following apply.
NOTE See Figure 1 for visual representation of definitions with exception of 3.7.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
over-needle peripheral intravenous catheter
catheter designed for the introduction or withdrawal of liquids or devices into or from the peripheral venous system
3.2
needle
assembly comprising at least a needle tube (3.3) attached to, and communicating with, a needle hub (3.4)
3.3
needle tube
rigid tube with one end sharpened with a bevel to facilitate entry into body tissue
3.4
needle hub
fitting attached to the needle tube (3.3)
3.5
vent fitting
fixed or removable fitting permitting venting of air while restricting or preferably preventing the escape of blood
3.6
catheter
assembly comprising the catheter tube, catheter hub and any integral fittings
3.7
flashback
blood flow into the needle (3.2) or catheter tube
Note 1 to entry: Rationale for removing hub and adding catheter tube.
3.8
needle point
entire sharpened section of the distal end of the needle tube (3.3)
Key
a 0 < a < 1 mm (see 4.3.2)
l1 effective length
1 catheter tube
2 catheter hub
3 needle tube (3.3)
4 needle hub (3.4)
5 vent fitting (3.5)
6 heel of needle point
7 catheter (3.6)
8 needle point (3.8)
NOTE Other design features can include wings, injection ports integral with the catheter hub, other means of connecting to the fluid path, protection against accidental needle stick injury, etc. The catheter tube can have a single lumen or multiple lumens.
Figure 1 — Typical over-needle peripheral intravenous catheter
4.0 Requirements
4.1 General
Unless otherwise specified in this document, over-needle peripheral intravenous catheters shall comply with ISO 10555‑1.
4.1.1 Multilumen catheters
For multilumen catheters, identification of each lumen shall be apparent to the user.
4.1.2 Physical requirements
4.1.3 Colour code
The catheter shall be colour coded in accordance with Table 1 to indicate the nominal outside diameter of the catheter tube.
Table 1 — Colour coding and corresponding sizes of catheter
Nominal outside diameter of catheter tube mm | Range of actual outside diameter mm | Coloura,b | Gaugec |
0,6 | 0,550 to 0,649 | Violet | 26 |
0,7 | 0,650 to 0,749 | Yellow | 24 |
0,8; 0,9 | 0,750 to 0,949 | Deep blue | 22 |
1,0; 1,1 | 0,950 to 1,149 | Pink | 20 |
1,2; 1,3 | 1,150 to 1,349 | Deep green | 18 |
1,4; 1,5 | 1,350 to 1,549 | White | 17 |
1,6; 1,7; 1,8 | 1,550 to 1,849 | Medium grey | 16 |
1,9; 2,0; 2,1; 2,2 | 1,850 to 2,249 | Orange | 14 |
2,3; 2,4; 2,5 | 2,250 to 2,549 | Red | 13 |
2,6; 2,7; 2,8 | 2,550 to 2,849 | Pale blue | 12 |
3,3; 3,4 | 3,250 to 3,549 | Light brown | 10 |
a The colour may be opaque or translucent. Suggested colour references for opaque materials are given in Annex B. b The colour coding is usually applied to the catheter hub or to an integral fitting. c The use of gauge number is optional. | |||
4.1.4 Catheter
The distal end shall be tapered for ease of insertion and shall fit closely to the needle. When the needle is fully inserted into the catheter, the catheter tube shall neither extend beyond the heel of the needle point nor be more than 1 mm from it (see dimension a in Figure 1).
4.1.5 Needle
Needle tube material
If a steel tube is used, it shall comply with ISO 9626, except for the roundness requirement in areas where roundness is intentionally modified (e.g. crimp, notch, groove, etc.).
Needle point
When examined by normal or corrected-to-normal vision with × 2,5 magnification, the needle point shall appear sharp and free from feather edges, burrs and hooks.
NOTE Annex C shows examples of typical needle point geometries.
Needle hub
If the needle is provided with a removable vent fitting, the needle hub shall terminate in a female fitting complying with ISO 80369-7.
Strength of union between needle hub and needle tube
When tested in accordance with Annex A, the needle tube shall not be loosened in the needle hub.
4.1.6 Vent fitting
A vent fitting shall be provided. When tested in accordance with Annex D, fluid shall not leak out of the vent fitting within 15 s. In Annex D, either test A or B shall be used.
4.1.7 Flashback
The needle hub and/or another feature shall facilitate detection of flashback.
4.2 Information to be supplied by the manufacturer
Information supplied by the manufacturer shall comply with ISO 10555‑1 and shall also include the following:
a) the flowrate for each lumen;
b) a warning against attempting to re-insert a partially or completely withdrawn needle;
c) on each primary packaging, the corresponding product colour (see Table 1), unless the colour on the product is visible through the primary packaging, and the outside diameter, as defined in Table 1.
Units of measurement systems other than those specified may additionally be given.
(normative)
Determination of strength of union of needle hub and needle tube- Principle
A force is applied (successively tensile and compressive) to the needle tube and needle hub and the tube-hub union is then examined for loosening.
- Apparatus
Tensile testing apparatus, capable of exerting forces of up to 20 N with an accuracy of ±1 % or better.
- Test procedure
A.3.1 Condition the needle in an atmosphere of 40 % to 60 % relative humidity and a temperature of (22 ± 5) °C for a minimum of 2 h immediately before the test.
A.3.2 Clamp the needle tube and the needle hub in the jaws of the tensile testing apparatus and apply successively, once each, at a maximum rate of 100 mm/min, a tensile and a compressive force of:
— 10 N when testing needles of nominal outside diameter less than 0,6 mm;
— 20 N when testing needles of nominal outside diameter 0,6 mm or greater.
A.3.3 Examine the union of needle tube and needle hub and record whether the needle tube has been loosened.
- Test report
The test report shall include the following information:
a) identity of the test samples;
b) outside diameter of the needle, expressed in millimetres;
c) load applied (i.e. 10 N or 20 N);
d) a reference to this document (including its year of publication) and annex;
e) statement as to whether or not the needle tube was loosened in the hub;
f) any deviations from the procedure;
g) the date of the test.
(informative)
Colours for opaque catheter hubs
Suggested colour references are given for information in Table B.1.
Table B.1 — Suggested colour references for opaque catheter hubs
Nominal outside diameter of catheter tube | Colour code | Munsell Atlas[5] | US Federal | DIN 6164‑1[3] | NF X 08‑002[4] |
0,6 | Violet | 5 P 6.5/6 | — | — | A 2790 |
0,7 | Yellow | 3.75 Y 8/14 | 23 655 | 1.9; 6.8; 0.7 | A 330 |
0,8; 0,9 | Deep blue | 2.5 PB 3/8 | 15 090 | 16.6; 6.5; 4.2 | A 540 |
1,0; 1,1 | Pink | 2.5 R 7/6 | 11 630 | 8.5; 1.4; 1.5 | A 870 |
1,2; 1,3 | Deep green | 2.5 G 4/8 | 14 090 | 22.6; 6.9; 5.0 | A 455 |
1,4; 1,5 | White | N 9.5 | 27 875 | 1.0; 0.4; 0.3 | A 665 |
1,6; 1,7; 1,8 | Medium grey | N 7 | 26 231 | 24.4; 0.2; 3.9 | A 630 |
1,9; 2,0; 2,1; 2,2 | Orange | 3.75 YT 6/12 | 12 473 | 4.5; 6.6; 1.7 | A 130 |
2,3; 2,4; 2,5 | Red | 7.5 R 4/14 | — | 7.4; 7.9; 2.7 | A 801 |
2,6; 2,7; 2,8 | Pale blue | 2.5 PB 7/8 | 35 190 | 17.5; 4.4; 2.0 | A 590 |
3,3; 3,4 | Light brown | 7.5 YR 4.5/6 | — | — | A 2030 |
(informative)
Needle point geometries
Typical needle point geometries are shown for information in Figure C.1.
Key
d0 outside diameter of the needle tube
d1 inside diameter of the needle tube
l needle point length
l1 primary bevel nominal length
l2 secondary bevel nominal length
α primary bevel angle
β tip angle
θ2 secondary bevel rotation angle
γ combined secondary bevel angle
Figure C.1 — Examples of typical needle point geometries
(normative)
Determination of liquid leakage from vent fitting- Principle for Test A
The needle is connected to a source of simulated blood under hydrostatic pressure. The fluid is allowed to flow into the needle for 15 s and whether or not leakage occurred is recorded.
- Test fluid for Test A
D.2.1 Prepare a solution of 0,9 % sodium chloride by dissolving reagent grade sodium chloride in distilled or deionized water in a 9 g sodium chloride / 1 l water m/V ratio.
D.2.2 Prepare the test fluid by mixing sodium chloride solution (D.2.1) and glycerol of 99 % purity or higher in a 55 % sodium chloride / 45 % glycerol V/V ratio.
NOTE See Annex E for additional information.
- Apparatus for Test A
D.3.1 Constant-level tank, to provide a hydrostatic head of (400 ± 20) mm (to produce a pressure of 3 923 ± 196 Pa), fitted with a delivery tube of inside diameter not less than 3 mm having a clamp or valve and at its end a puncturable membrane (e.g. a latex cap). See Figure D.1 for an example of such apparatus.
The pressure experienced during clinical use can be greater than the values listed above. If the pressure experienced during clinical use is determined by the manufacturer to be greater than the values listed above, a clinically relevant hydrostatic head may be used.
D.3.2 Stopwatch, or similar device.
- Procedure for Test A
D.4.1 Supply the constant-level tank (D.3.1) with test fluid (D.2) at (23 ± 2) °C and perform the test at room temperature of (23 ± 2) °C.
D.4.2 Remove all air from the delivery tube and close the clamp or valve.
D.4.3 Insert the tip of the needle tube through the membrane, ensuring that the needle tube is kept horizontal at ±5°.
D.4.4 Open the clamp or valve so as to allow fluid to enter the needle tube. Maintain the hydrostatic head for a minimum of 15 s while examining the vent fitting for liquid leakage, i.e. the formation of one or more falling drops of test fluid, and record whether or not leakage occurs.
- Test report for Test A
The test report shall contain at least the following information:
a) the identity of the test samples being tested;
b) a reference to this document (including its year of publication) and annex;
c) statement as to whether or not leakage occurred within 15 s;
d) If variable data method is used for data analysis, report the time, in s, for the first drop of test fluid to fall
e) any deviations from the procedure;
f) the date of the test.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 constant-level tank
2 overflow
3 inlet
4 test fluid
5 clamp or valve
6 needle tube
7 membrane
8 vent fitting
9 delivery tube
a Internal diameter.
Figure D.1 — Example of apparatus for determination of liquid leakage from vent fitting by Test A
- Principle for Test B
The needle is connected to a pressure generating source. The pressure generating device shall apply fluid into the needle for 15 s and whether or not leakage occurred is recorded.
- Test fluid for Test B
D.7.1 Prepare a solution of 0,9 % sodium chloride by dissolving reagent grade sodium chloride in distilled or deionized water in a 9 g sodium chloride / 1 l water m/V ratio.
D.7.2 Prepare the test fluid by mixing sodium chloride solution (D.7.1) and glycerol of 99 % purity or higher in a 55 % sodium chloride / 45 % glycerol V/V ratio.
NOTE See Annex E for additional information.
- Apparatus for Test B
D.8.1 Pressure generating device, which supplies the test fluid, fitted with a pressure gauge and capable of at least 3 923 ± 196 Pa.
D.8.2 Connector, to make a leak proof connection between the pressure generating device and puncturable membrane.
D.8.3 Puncturable membrane, e.g. a latex cap or hemostasis valve, inside diameter not less than 3 mm, to make a leak proof connection between the connector and needle tube. See Figure D.2 for an example of such apparatus.
D.8.4 Stopwatch, or similar device.
- Procedure for Test B
D.9.1 Connect the puncturable membrane to the pressure generating device by means of a connector.
D.9.2 Purge the pressure generating device (D.8.1) with test fluid (D.7) at (23 ± 2) °C and expel the air. Perform the test at room temperature of (23 ± 2) °C.
D.9.3 Insert the tip of the needle tube through the membrane, ensuring that the needle tube is kept horizontal at ±5°.
D.9.4 Apply a pressure of 3 923 ± 196 Pa. Maintain the pressure for a minimum of 15 s while examining the vent fitting for liquid leakage, i.e. the formation of one or more falling drops of test fluid, and record whether or not leakage occurs.
The pressure experienced during clinical use can be greater than the values listed above. If the pressure experienced during clinical use is determined by the manufacturer to be greater than the values listed above, a clinically relevant pressure may be used.
- Test report for Test B
The test report shall contain at least the following information:
a) the identity of the test samples being tested;
b) a reference to this document (including its year of publication) and annex;
c) minimum and maximum pressure achieved, Pa;
d) statement as to whether or not leakage occurred;
e) if variable data method is used for data analysis, report the time, in s, for the first drop of test fluid to fall;
f) any deviations from the procedure;
g) the date of the test.
Key
1 pressure generating device
2 valve for initiating and terminating flow
3 pressure transducer
4 membrane
5 needle tube
6 vent fitting
Figure D.2 — Example of apparatus for determination of liquid leakage from vent fitting by Test B
(informative)
Rationale for requirements
Table E.1 — Rationale for requirements
No | Clause/subclause, figure, table | Rationale |
1 | 1 Scope | The original scope of this document covers over the needle catheters inserted into peripheral arterial and venous systems. Over the needle catheters used for peripheral venous system are compliant to this standard. However, over the needle peripheral arterial catheters are largely not compliant to some requirements in the standard such as 4.3.1 Colour code. Some of the requirements such as 4.3.4 Vent fitting is not adequate for arterial catheters. Therefore, the scope of the standard is modified to be only applicable to over the needle peripheral intravenous catheters. Future inclusion of arterial catheters can be considered if market needs arise. |
2 | 3.1 over-needle peripheral intravenous catheter | The change in the definition is made to be in line with the scope change. |
3 | 3.8 Needle point | This definition is added because requirement 4.3.3.2 is about Needle point which was not defined in the 2nd edition of the standard. |
4 | 4.3.3.2 Needle point NOTE | The needle point geometry examples in Annex C are actually coring needle tip though not significant. The first part of the note was removed to reflect this fact. |
5 | 4.3.3.3 Needle Hub | 4.3.3.3 Needle hub clause is confusing since it listed two separate requirements: flashback for the catheter and female fitting in the needle hub if provided with a removable vent fitting. Changes are made to have two separate requirements to minimize confusion. |
6 | 4.3.5 Flashback | 4.3.5 Flashback is separated out of the original 4.3.3.3 to be a standalone requirement to minimize confusion. In addition, there are devices where flashback is not provided by needle hub. Therefore, this requirement should not be under 4.3.3 Needle. |
7 | D.2.1 | The original wording appears to ask the operator to make only 1 l of sodium chloride solution. The change reflects the intent of the statement which is to make 0,9 % sodium chloride solution of any volume as needed. |
8 | D.2.2 | Two changes are made. The purity of glycerol was specified as 9 9 % which was equivalent to USP grade or better. This eliminates the potential inconsistency in interpreting the definition of USP grade. The second change is to replace the specific volume sizes in mixing the test fluid with ratio of sodium chloride solution and glycerol to allow the freedom of making any size of test fluid. |
9 | D.6 – D.10 | A second test method is added to Annex D to allow the use of constant pressure source. |
10 | D.6.5 c) and d) D.10 d) and e) | The changes are made to allow both attribute and variable based test analysis methods |
Bibliography
[1] ISO 11070, Sterile single-use intravascular introducers, dilators and guidewires
[2] ISO 14972, Sterile obturators for single use with over-needle peripheral intravascular catheters
[3] DIN 6164‑1, DIN Farbenkarte; System der DIN Farbenkarte für den 2°-Normalbeobachter. Available from Beuth Verlag GmbH, Burggrafenstrasse 6, D-10787 Berlin, Germany
[4] NF X 08 002, Collection réduite des couleurs — Désignation et catalogue des couleurs CCR — Étalons secondaires. (Limited collection of colours. Designation and catalogue of CCR colours. Secondary standards.) Available from AFNOR, Tour Europe, Cedex 7, F-92080 Paris La Défense, France
[5] Munsell Book of Color. Available from Munsell Color, 2441 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21218 USA
[6] US Federal Standard 595a: Colors, Volume 1. Available from Superintendent of Documents, US Government Printing Office, Washington DC, 20402 USA
