OPSITE IV3000 NON-WING DRESSING

Securing a peripheral IV cannula site requires a dressing that adheres reliably to the skin, allows the site to be monitored through the dressing without removal, and manages moisture beneath the film to keep the insertion site dry. A dressing with high moisture vapour permeability removes more moisture from beneath the film than a standard film dressing, reducing skin maceration and improving the condition of the site during the indwelling period. IV3000 1-Hand Peripheral is a high moisture vapour permeable transparent dressing from Smith & Nephew for peripheral IV cannula sites. 6cm x 7cm. Box of 100. Single-hand application design. No prescription required.

IV3000 1-Hand Peripheral is a regulated medical device from Smith & Nephew. A High MVP transparent dressing. MVP stands for Moisture Vapour Permeability. The dressing is designed specifically for use over peripheral intravenous cannula insertion sites, where maintaining a dry site, preventing bacterial contamination, and securing the catheter in position are the clinical objectives.

The packaging states three key properties: it maintains a drier site, it aids in preventing bacterial contamination, and it improves dressing adherence and catheter fixation. These three properties work together at a peripheral IV site. A drier site beneath the film reduces maceration of the skin around the cannula insertion point, which in turn supports better film adhesion and a cleaner, more stable insertion site. The film barrier prevents bacteria from the external environment from reaching the insertion point. The improved adhesion and fixation properties hold the cannula in position and reduce the risk of accidental dislodgement during the indwelling period.

The "1-Hand" designation refers to the application format: the dressing is designed to be applied with one hand, which has practical significance in clinical settings where the clinician must hold the cannula in position with one hand while applying the dressing with the other. Standard film dressings often require both hands for application, which is not always possible at a peripheral IV site.

IV3000 1-Hand Peripheral is available in a single size of 6cm x 7cm, supplied in a box of 100 dressings. This bulk box format is suited to clinical settings where peripheral IV management is performed regularly.

IV3000 1-Hand Peripheral is a clinical product for peripheral IV cannula site management. It is applied by trained clinical staff. The cannula insertion site must be assessed at each dressing change for signs of phlebitis, infection, or site failure. If the site shows redness, swelling, pain, or purulent discharge, the cannula should be removed and a new site used. Do not apply to wet or compromised skin. Apply without tension.

High Moisture Vapour Permeability

Moisture vapour permeability is the rate at which a film allows water vapour to pass through it and evaporate from the outer surface. A high moisture vapour permeable film transmits more water vapour per unit area per unit time than a standard film. At a peripheral IV site, the skin beneath the dressing produces normal moisture as part of physiological transpiration. In a standard film with lower moisture vapour permeability, this moisture accumulates beneath the film and can macerate the skin around the insertion point. A high moisture vapour permeable film removes this moisture more efficiently, maintaining a drier skin surface at the cannula site during the indwelling period.

Bacterial Contamination Prevention

The intact polyurethane film acts as a physical barrier between the insertion site and the external environment. Bacteria from the skin surface and from external sources cannot penetrate the intact film and reach the cannula insertion point. This barrier function reduces the risk of insertion site infection, which is one of the primary complications of peripheral IV access. The film must remain intact, and all edges must adhere to the skin for this barrier to be maintained.

Dressing Adherence and Catheter Fixation

The adhesive on IV3000 1-Hand Peripheral is formulated to maintain a reliable bond to the skin surface at the IV site throughout the intended dressing wear period. Good dressing adherence keeps the cannula hub covered and protected, reduces the frequency of unplanned dressing changes due to lifting edges, and supports consistent cannula fixation. Movement of the cannula during the indwelling period, caused by dressing failure or inadequate fixation, increases the risk of phlebitis and infiltration. A reliably adhering dressing reduces this movement and supports site stability.

Application Using One Hand

The 1-Hand application format allows the clinician to hold the cannula hub in position with one hand while applying the dressing with the other. The release liner and application design are structured to allow controlled single-hand placement of the film over the site without the dressing folding or misaligning during application. This application design is particularly relevant for peripheral IV sites where the cannula must be held steady during application.

Before Application

• Perform hand hygiene and use gloves.
• Ensure the cannula insertion site and surrounding skin are dry.
• Apply any additional cannula securing device if used, before the dressing.

Application

• Remove the IV3000 1-Hand Peripheral from its sterile packaging.
• Hold the cannula hub in position with one hand.
• Use the 1-Hand application format to position the film centrally over the cannula insertion site.
• Apply without tension. Do not stretch the film.
• Smooth all edges firmly to ensure complete skin contact.
• Label with the date and time of application.

Site Monitoring and Change

• Observe the insertion site through the transparent film at every clinical assessment.
• Look for redness, swelling, and track any changes at the site.
• Change the dressing according to the clinical protocol for IV site management. Change earlier if the film lifts, the site shows signs of phlebitis or infection, or if the clinical assessment indicates a change is needed.
• Remove the old dressing, assess the site, and if the site is to be continued, apply a fresh IV3000 1-Hand Peripheral to clean, dry skin.

Change the IV3000 1-Hand Peripheral immediately if any edge lifts, the film is damaged, or the site shows any signs of infection or phlebitis. Do not leave a dressing in place that is no longer providing a complete seal over the insertion site. Follow the clinical protocol at your institution for peripheral IV site management and dressing change intervals.

IV3000 1-Hand Peripheral 6cm x 7cm: Box of 100

IV3000 1-Hand Peripheral is available in a single size of 6cm x 7cm. This size is suited to adult peripheral IV cannula sites at standard insertion locations, including the dorsum of the hand, the antecubital fossa, and the forearm. The 6cm x 7cm dimensions provide sufficient coverage for the cannula hub, the insertion point, and a margin of periwound skin for adhesive contact on all sides.

The box of 100 provides a clinical stock level for departments, wards, and community nursing teams where peripheral IV management is performed regularly. Individual dressings are individually packaged within the box in sterile pouches.

Site Assessment Requirements

• Assess the cannula site at every clinical contact for signs of phlebitis: redness, pain, warmth, swelling, or a palpable cord along the vein.
• Remove the cannula and the dressing immediately if any sign of phlebitis or infection is present.
• Document site assessment findings at each clinical contact.

When Not to Use IV3000 1-Hand Peripheral

• Wet or compromised skin around the insertion site where the film cannot adhere.
• Known sensitivity to polyurethane or the adhesive components.

Precautions

• Apply without tension.
• Apply with dry skin at the site.
• Change immediately if the film lifts or the site deteriorates.
• Single use only.

Adverse Effects

• Adhesive skin reaction in individuals sensitive to the adhesive components.
• Skin stripping if the dressing is removed forcefully, particularly from fragile skin.

Clinical Settings

• Hospital wards where peripheral IV access is established and maintained
• Day treatment units and outpatient infusion services
• Community nursing, where peripheral IV or midline access is managed in the home
• Care homes and nursing homes where IV access is occasionally required for antibiotic or fluid therapy

IV3000 1-Hand Peripheral in the Opsite Range

IV3000 1-Hand Peripheral is part of the Opsite and IV3000 product family from Smith & Nephew. It is a specialised transparent film dressing for peripheral IV site management, distinct from the general wound and skin protection Opsite products. The high moisture vapour permeable film, the 1-Hand application format, and the clinical sizing for peripheral cannula sites distinguish it from the general Opsite film formats.

IV3000 1-Hand Peripheral is a regulated medical device and does not require a prescription. The 6cm x 7cm dressing in a box of 100 is available from Pharmacy Planet for clinical purchasers.

Our pharmacists can advise on IV3000 1-Hand Peripheral and on other IV site securement products in the Smith & Nephew range.

IV3000 1-Hand Peripheral is a clinical product for use by trained healthcare professionals in settings where peripheral IV access is managed. It is not a product for patient self-application.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight.
• Do not store above 25 degrees C.
• Keep in original sealed box with individual sterile pouches intact until use.
• Do not use if the individual sterile packaging is damaged or the seal is broken.
• Check expiry date before use.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy. IV3000 1-Hand Peripheral is a genuine Smith & Nephew product stocked through regulated UK supply chains.

Our pharmacists can advise on IV site dressing products and on other clinical wound care and device securement products available from the Smith & Nephew range.

References

1. Smith & Nephew. IV3000 1-Hand Peripheral — Product Information. Smith & Nephew. https://www.smith-nephew.com. Accessed June 2026.
2. NHS. Peripheral venous cannula: care and management. NHS England. https://www.england.nhs.uk. Accessed June 2026.
3. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Healthcare-associated infections: prevention and control. https://www.nice.org.uk. Accessed June 2026.