Intravenous Equipment - Uses and Importance

Intravenous (IV) equipment includes devices used to administer fluids, medications, and nutrients directly into the veins of patients. It is commonly used in medical settings for various treatments.
Category
Medical Device
Where to get
Available in hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Intravenous Equipment FAQ


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What is IV equipment?

IV equipment, as the name implies, is used for IV therapy. IV, or intravenous therapy, is a medical process that involves the administration of fluids and medications directly into the patient’s bloodstream via a vein. Different veins may be used and a range of fluids and medications can be delivered in this way.

What is intravenous (IV) therapy?

Intravenous (IV) therapy, or IV infusion, is a way to give a person medicine or fluids directly into a vein. It requires using a needle or catheter (tube) that is inserted into the vein. IV therapy can be used to treat many different medical conditions.

What are intravenous (IV) sets?

Together, these constituents form what are known as intravenous (IV) sets. IV kits are designed to make initiating an IV as simple and risk-free as possible. There are several varieties of IV sets, each designed for a particular situation or combination of circumstances.

How are intravenous fluids administered?

Intravenous Therapy Intravenous fluids are administered through thin, flexible plastic tubing called an infusion set or primary infusion tubing/administration set (Perry et al., 2018). The infusion tubing/administration set connects to the bag of IV solution.

What type of IV is used in hospitals?

Gravity Tubing Gravity tubing is the most common type of IV set used in hospitals today. It consists of a plastic bag hung from a pole or hook, which holds it in place at a certain height above the patient's bed. The fluid is pushed through the tube and into the patient's bloodstream by gravity's force.

Intravenous Equipment References

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