IV Sets, IV Tubing, IV Administration Sets

An IV set (intravenous infusion set) is a sterile, single-use system designed to deliver fluids, medications, nutrients, or electrolytes directly into a patient’s vein. IV sets are crucial in hospitals, emergency rooms, surgical care, and home infusion therapies.

Change IV sets every 72–96 hours (3–4 days), or according to hospital protocol, to minimize infection risk. For blood products, TPN (total parenteral nutrition), or immunocompromised patients, change every 24 hours.

IV sets come in pediatric, microdrip (60 drops/mL), and adult/standard macrodrip (10, 15, or 20 drops/mL) sizes. Choose based on the patient’s age, vein, therapy required, and infusion rate.

Drop factor (macrodrip): 10, 15, or 20 drops/mL Drop factor (microdrip): 60 drops/mL

Yes! Prepackaged, sterile IV sets are safe for home use with physician oversight, especially for hydration, antibiotics, vitamin therapy (like the Myers cocktail), or chronic illness management.

Change every 72–96 hours for most standard infusions. Always use a new set for blood, lipid, or highly viscous solutions. Insulin infusion sets (for diabetes pumps) often require change every 2-3 days.

IV sets are strictly single-use only. Never reuse an IV set—always discard after one patient and one therapy session to prevent infections.

Yes, over-infusion can cause fluid overload, swelling, pulmonary edema, or even heart failure—especially in children, elderly, or cardiac/renal patients. Follow prescribed rates exactly.

Standard fluids (saline, dextrose): Up to 24 hours Blood products: 4 hours maximum TPN/lipid fluids: change after 24 hours Always check local protocols and fluid manufacturer’s recommendations.

Assemble sterile set, flush air out, connect to patient’s IV catheter, adjust flow rate, monitor site and patient reactions. Nurses change sets per guidelines and assess for leaks/clots regularly.

3-way IV sets allow connection of multiple IV lines (medications, fluids) to a single patient access site, enabling complex therapies and rapid switching in critical care.

Normal Saline (0.9% Sodium Chloride) Lactated Ringer’s Solution Dextrose Solutions (D5W, D10W) Half Normal Saline (0.45% Sodium Chloride)

Microdrip set: 60 gtt (drops)/mL Macrodrip set: 10, 15, or 20 gtt/mL (check your set’s label)

Based on your drip rate calculation (see formula above), adjust the clamp until the correct number of drops fall per minute on the drip chamber scale.

Don’t vigorously move the arm/hand used for the IV immediately after removal. Avoid soaking in water (baths/hot tubs) near IV site for 24 hours. Report redness, pain, swelling, fever, or leaking immediately.

Depends on the clinical indication; for adults, 2 liters may be standard for dehydration, but always follow a doctor’s prescribed volume and rate.

Not recommended. Extended use increases infection risk and reduces effectiveness. Change every 72–96 hours or sooner if issues arise.

Arms and hands are most common for short-term IVs. For insulin pumps or home infusions, abdomen is common (rotate sites as needed). Central lines (chest/neck) are for longer treatments.

Patient size/vein quality Therapy type (fluid, medication, blood) Drip factor (microdrip for kids, macrodrip for adults) Ease of use (needleless options, 3-way sets)

No – IV sets are never to be reused. Always use new, sterile tubing per patient and session.

Peripheral IV sites: 72–96 hours. Central lines: longer, but monitor for infection.

3–4 days for peripheral IV; remove or relocate if signs of infection, irritation, or malfunction occur.

IV fluids metabolize and are excreted over hours to a day, depending on rate, type, patient age, and health.

A popular IV vitamin therapy blend including magnesium, calcium, B vitamins, and vitamin C, often offered in wellness clinics.

Yes, especially in patients with cardiac/renal disorders. Always follow dosing guidelines and monitor closely.

Effects can last hours to days, depending on solution, dose, and metabolism.

Sterile, medical-grade, latex-free IV sets Wide range: pediatric microdrip, adult macrodrip, 3-way and needleless variants Clear, flexible tubing and precision drip chambers for accurate dosing Individually packaged for maximum infection control Approved for hospital, clinic, or home infusion therapies worldwide Compatible with Myers cocktail, hydration, medication, or vitamin IVs