A universal gripping surface is provided on an intravenous catheter assembly (10). The universal gripping surface provides a plurality of surfaces (32, 34,22, 24, 26, 52, 54, 152) whereby a user may grip the catheter assembly (10) in a desired gripping configuration for improved balance and control of the catheter assembly (10) during insertion of the catheter. Additionally, the universal gripping surface includes a guard feature to prevent a users unintended contact with various components of the catheter assembly (10) whereby the contact may result in an undesirable "over the bevel" condition.
