Parts of IV
Intravenous therapy is a fast way to replenish your body with the necessary nutrients or medications. This is possible with IV infusion sets that optimize the delivery of fluids. So, what are the key parts of IV infusion? What is their purpose?
This post will discuss the essential parts of an IV set and their functions. IV therapy is used for various medical purposes as its content bypasses the gastric system allowing the body to receive fluids much faster.
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IV Therapy
Intravenous therapy plays an integral role in health care. It is a it’s a direct and effective method of delivering nutrients, fluids, and medications into the patient’s bloodstream. An administration of IV is widely used in hospital and emergency settings.
Yet, in recent years mobile IV therapy for potential hydration and immunity boost has also been rising in popularity due to their convenience.
For the safe delivery of fluids, the IV system features a variety of IV components. Below you’ll get to know the different parts of IV and the IV set parts utilization.
IV Infusion Set Parts and Functions
Parts of IV bag
The IV bag has an extender that allows the bag to hang on the IV pole. It also has an injection port that healthcare professionals use to mix medications with the fluids that are in the bag.
IV tubing
IV tubing connects the catheter to the fluid source or the IV container. It is also known as an “IV line” or “administration set”. The tubing consists of a flexible plastic tube that allows a seamless flow of fluids into a patient’s bloodstream.
The tubing is made from materials compatible with various medications and solutions. There are three types of IV tubing: primary, secondary, and piggyback tubing.
Parts of IV drip set - tubing
There are different parts of IV set. Let’s get into details about each of them.
Drip chamber
The drip chamber visually indicates the flow rate. Inside the chamber, it is possible to see the fluid dripping from the bag into the tubbing and count the number of drops seen per minute. The drip chamber must be half full. It prevents air bubbles from entering the patient’s bloodstream.
Roller clamp (regulator)
The roller clamps adjust the tubing’s compression and regulate the rate flow of fluids. When it is moved upward, the tube is open. The tubbing's internal diameter narrows when the roller clamp is rolled downward.
Hence, healthcare providers roll the clamp in order to make the IV tubing narrow and allow the fluid to flow through the tubing more slowly. When rolled the other way, the tubbing becomes less narrow, enabling the fluid to flow much faster.
Slide clamp
The slide clamp is used when medical professionals want to stop the IV content from flowing. It allows them to stop the IV therapy momentarily without setting the flow rate again.
Injection port
Healthcare professionals use the injection port on the IV bag to mix medications with the fluid in the IV bag. Yet, if they want to inject medication without mixing it with the fluid, they use the port located below the drip chamber.
Additional parts of IV tubing set
Connectors - enable attachment of syringes, specialized infusion devices, and additional tubing
Spike - the drip chamber features a spike that allows fluids from the reservoir bag to the drip chamber
Solution filter - the solution filter filters particles from the fluid
Injection site - the injection site enables intravenous injection into the cannula while the IV set is in use
Needle - the needle is used for injection into the cannula
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IV cannula
The IV cannula, also known as the “IV catheter”, is the primary component of an IV system. It is a thin, retractable, hollow plastic tube with a sharp, beveled tip that is inserted into a vein and used to access a patient’s bloodstream.
The main function of the cannula is to establish a secure and stable entry point for the infusion. It is inserted into a vein, mainly into the patient’s arm, hand, and antecubital area. An IV cannula is used to administer fluids and obtain blood samples.
Parts of IV cannula and their functions
Luer lock plug - connects a needle or a catheter to plastic tubing
Flashback chamber - allows the operator to identify when the fluids or the blood from the vein starts to flow into the needle tip
Needle grip - provides stability and control during the insertion process
Injection port cap - facilitates intermittent fluid administration without allowing backflow
Luer connector - connects a needle or a catheter to plastic tubing
Catheter hub and wings - provide easy and secure fixation with the patient skin
Valve - the valve is where the fluids pass through before entering the vein
Bushing - securely locks the cannula within the hub
Needle - to puncture the skin and enable IV bag content to enter the patient’s bloodstream
Types of IV catheters
Peripheral
A peripheral line is an IV that IV providers attach to the peripheral vein. This is the most common type of IV and is usually attached to the hand or the arm. It is used for a shorter period of time.
Central line
A central line is attached to a vein in the chest or neck. It connects to a vein that carries blood directly to the heart and is used for delivering medications in a fast manner.
Midline IV catheter
This type of catheter is generally inserted into the patient’s arm vein, typically above the crease of a patient’s elbow. This type of catheter is designed for longer use and requires less frequent changes.
IV cannula sizes
There are different sizes of IV catheters. Which one the healthcare providers will use depends on the patient’s age, condition, and treatment requirements. The sizes range from 14 to 24 gauge, with a higher gauge indicating a smaller needle diameter.
The medical professionals choose a gauge based on factors, such as the fluid's viscosity, that will be infused during the IV therapy.
Infusion pumps
An infusion IV pump is employed when there is a need for precise control over the infusion rate. This electronic device delivers the fluids and medications at a predetermined rate.
The pumps enable accurate and consistent IV bag content administration. They are programmable, allowing healthcare providers to set specific parameters based on the patient’s needs. They can adjust flow rate, volume as well as duration.
Moreover, the pumps are equipped with safety features. This is to prevent over or under-infusion. Once they detect issues, they may sound alarms or trigger alerts. The advancement of technology led to the development of smart infusion pumps.
Such infusion pumps can integrate with electronic health records (EHR) systems. By doing so, they may enhance the patient’s safety and simplify documentation.
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Secondary Infusion Devices
In cases where simultaneous administration of fluids and medications is necessary, medical professionals use secondary fluid infusion. Through secondary IV infusions, healthcare professionals administer smaller but volume-controlled amounts of IV fluids.
Secondary infusion devices include:
Piggyback sets - these sets feature a smaller fluid container suspended above the infusion bag. The piggyback sets are connected to the primary line with a Y-site connector. Their purpose is for intermittent medications or infusions of a smaller volume.
Burette sets - the burette sets have a chamber that allows precise measurements of small volumes. In general, they are used in pediatric and critical care settings.
IV site dressing
Healthcare providers employ dressing and stabilization techniques to prevent complication from the IV therapy.They use transparent and sterile dressings to cover the insertion site and provide a barrier against contaminants.
Doing so enables them visibility and monitoring. The dressings are made to be hypoallergenic, breathable, and easy to apply and remove. In some cases, additional stabilization may be needed.
This is especially when an IV catheter is at risk of accidental dislodgement. The stabilization devices help to secure the catheter and minimize movement. They also may reduce the chances of complications.
How Does a Gravity IV Tubing Set Work?
The IV set works on gravitational force. This means that the infusion bag is placed at a higher position compared to the patient. This allows gravity to pull the fluid directly into the patient’s vein.
Placing the bag high influences the amount of pressure on the fluid. If the pressure is greater, the fluid may flow more quickly. The healthcare providers control the rate and the flow using the roller clamp.
Other IV Set Types
Filtered IV sets
The filtered IV sets feature a small micron filter. They are intended to remove potential contaminants of IV content, such as bacteria and air embolism. Such filters are available in a variety of sizes.
Vented and non-vented IV sets
The vented tubing has a small air vent that can be opened and closed to allow air to enter and displace the fluid as it leaves the IV bag. They are suitable for plastic and glass containers.
On the other hand, non-vented IV sets don’t have vents on the tubbing and create a vacuum within the bag. These IV sets are best suited for flexible plastic pouches or containers.
IV sets based on size
There are two types of IV sets based on the IV fluid drop size. The drop factors of each drip set refer to the number of drops equal to 1 milliliter of the liquid.
Macro IV drip set
The macro drip set features wider tubing, allowing drops of a bigger diameter Such sets can be 10 gtt/ml, 15 gtt/ml, and 20 gtt/ml. This type of IV drip set is used for IV therapy administration without medications when high precision is not required.
Micro IV drip set
Compared to the macro IV drip set, the micro one has narrower tubing. As a result, it provides drops with a smaller diameter. In general, it comes in one size of 60 gtt/ml.
This type of set is suitable where IV applications with high precision are needed. A micro IV drip set is used to administer medications and IV therapy in children.
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The Advantages of IV Sets for IV Therapy
The IV sets enable the IV bag content to go directly into the patient’s bloodstream, bypassing the gastric system. As a result, this type of therapy may provide quick effects. Those who need to replenish their bodies can also get mobile IV therapy.
IV therapy providers can provide IV treatment in the comfort of the patient’s home, workplace, or other settings they prefer. Patients can get tailored therapy based on their needs, containing nutrients, medications, and other necessary fluids.
An IV treatment is suitable for individuals who cannot get the necessary nutrients for their bodies. It is also intended for patients who cannot take medications orally.
While IV treatments can be medically necessary, individuals can get them for hydration and other potential health benefits.
Conclusion
As an essential part of modern healthcare, understanding the key parts of IV is of utmost importance for healthcare professionals. While each component has a specific purpose, all of them are designed to provide precise fluid delivery.
By comprehending the function of the key components of an IV, healthcare providers can optimize infusion delivery and patient care. They can enable safe and effective treatment and minimize potential risks associated with IV therapy.
