• Comprehensive IV administration set catalogue: Macro-drip and micro-drip configurations covering 10, 20, and 60 gtt/mL drop factors for gravity and pump-driven infusion therapy.
• Trusted clinical brands: Products sourced from Exel International and Hospira/ICU Medical — established manufacturers recognised by hospital and clinical procurement teams.
• Wholesale pricing for licensed buyers: Competitive per-unit pricing on bulk orders, with volume savings for high-frequency clinical settings.
• Free US shipping on orders over $100: Supports restocking and emergency procurement across all 50 states.
• 5% off for new accounts: First-purchase discount available to qualified healthcare buyers creating a new account.
• B2B-focused procurement support: Dedicated sales team reachable at sales@mountainside-medical.com or +1 (888) 687-4334 for institutional and bulk order enquiries.
• Professional use only: Products in this collection are intended for use by licensed healthcare professionals in accordance with applicable clinical guidelines and regulations.

• Macro-drip IV administration sets (10 gtt/mL): High-flow gravity sets designed for rapid fluid resuscitation and large-volume infusion — standard in EMS and emergency department settings.
• Macro-drip IV administration sets (20 gtt/mL): General-purpose IV tubing for routine fluid and medication infusion across outpatient clinics, hospitals, and doctor's offices.
• Micro-drip IV administration sets (60 gtt/mL): Precision low-volume infusion sets for paediatric therapy, critical care, and medspa IV hydration protocols requiring fine flow control.
• Vented IV sets: Configured with an air-inlet filter for use with rigid glass IV bottles — required to maintain continuous flow in non-collapsible containers.
• Non-vented IV sets: Designed for use with flexible plastic IV bags, which collapse naturally as fluid is delivered without requiring atmospheric venting.
• Pump IV administration sets: Tubing engineered for compatibility with electronic infusion pumps — not interchangeable with standard gravity sets in pump applications.
• Blood administration sets: Dedicated IV sets with integrated 170–260 micron filters for the safe transfusion of blood products; not a substitute for standard IV tubing.

There are several variations of IV sets for different purposes. For example:

• Primary vs Secondary: A primary set is used for the main fluid infusion. A secondary (or “piggyback”) set can attach to the primary line for additional medications.

• Macrodrip vs Microdrip: Macrodrip sets deliver larger drops (commonly 10–20 drops per mL) and are used for rapid or large-volume infusions. Microdrip sets (60 drops/mL) deliver very small drops, allowing more precise control of low-flow infusions (often used in pediatrics or critical care).

• Extension and Y-site Sets: Extension sets simply lengthen the tubing. Y-set or multi-lumen sets have additional ports or connectors allowing multiple infusions or easy access to the line.

Specialty Sets: Some IV sets include integrated filters (to catch particulates) or are made with amber tubing to protect light-sensitive medications.

1. Primary and Secondary IV Sets

These refer to standard IV tubing sets:

• Macrodrip Set:

• Usually 10, 15, or 20 drops per millilitre (gtt/mL) depending on the manufacturer.

• Most common standard: 20 gtt/mL

• Secondary Set:

• Usually uses macrodrip tubing as well, same drop factor as primary.

2. Microdrip Set

• Universal Standard: 60 drops per millilitre (60 gtt/mL)

Summary Table

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Gather Necessary Information

• Total Volume to be Infused (mL): The amount of fluid to be given.

• Time (minutes): The total time over which the fluid should be delivered.

• Drop Factor (gtts/mL): The number of drops in one mL, found on the IV tubing package (common factors: 10, 15, 20, or 60 gtts/mL).

2. Use the Formula

[ \text{Drops per minute} = \frac{\text{Volume (mL)} \times \text{Drop factor (gtts/mL)}}{\text{Time (minutes)}} ]

Examples:

• For a macrodrip (20 gtt/mL), 100 mL/hr: [ (100 \times 20)/60 = 33.3 \approx 33 \text{ drops/min} ]

• For a microdrip (60 gtt/mL), 100 mL/hr: [ (100 \times 60)/60 = 100 \text{ drops/min} ]

Quick Reference Table

Tips

• Always check the IV tubing drop factor before calculating.

• Use whole numbers—round up or down as per your facility's policy.

• Double-check your calculations for patient safety.

• Clinics and doctor's offices: Routine IV fluid therapy, antibiotic infusion, and medication delivery using primary and secondary IV tubing configurations.
• Hospitals and institutional buyers: High-volume restocking of macro-drip and micro-drip sets across wards, surgical units, and emergency departments.
• EMS and emergency responders: Rapid-deployment IV sets for field resuscitation and pre-hospital fluid administration — 10 gtt/mL macro-drip sets are standard in ambulance and fire department kits.
• MedSpa and IV hydration therapy providers: Micro-drip and 20 gtt/mL sets used in wellness infusion protocols; IV hydration kits assembled with compatible IV therapy supplies.
• Dental and veterinary practices: Intravenous fluid support during procedures requiring sedation or anaesthesia, using gravity sets compatible with standard IV bags.
• Law enforcement, fire departments, and visiting nurses: Field-use IV sets requiring reliable, sterile, single-use configurations that are simple to prime and deploy without pump infrastructure.

• Identify your drop factor requirement first: Calculate your required infusion rate and confirm whether a 10, 20, or 60 gtt/mL set matches your clinical protocol — the drop factor printed on packaging must match your rate calculations exactly.
• Match venting to container type: Use a vented IV set with rigid glass IV bottles; use a non-vented IV set with flexible plastic IV bags. Mismatching these will interrupt flow.
• Confirm pump compatibility before ordering pump sets: Pump IV administration sets are validated for specific infusion pump models — verify tubing compatibility with your pump manufacturer before bulk procurement.
• Select primary or secondary tubing based on therapy type: Use primary IV tubing for single continuous infusions; add secondary IV tubing for piggyback antibiotic or medication delivery without disrupting the primary line.
• Use blood administration sets exclusively for blood products: Standard IV tubing does not include the required blood filter — never substitute a standard IV set for blood or blood product transfusion.
• Consider connector type for catheter compatibility: Luer-lock connectors provide a secure threaded fit and are preferred in most clinical settings; confirm connector type matches your catheter or access device.
• For bulk institutional orders, contact our sales team: Volume pricing, procurement support, and account setup available via sales@mountainside-medical.com or +1 (888) 687-4334.

• Free US shipping on all orders over $100: Standard across the contiguous United States — supports routine restocking and urgent procurement without added freight cost at qualifying order values.
• 5% discount for new accounts: First-purchase discount automatically applied for new qualified healthcare buyer accounts at checkout.
• Wholesale and bulk pricing available: IV administration sets and IV tubing are available for bulk order with volume savings — contact the sales team for institutional pricing tiers.
• Licensed healthcare professional requirement: Certain products within this collection require proof of a valid medical or clinical licence to purchase — have your licence details available when creating an account or placing an order.
• Account and order support: Reach the Mountainside Medical sales team at sales@mountainside-medical.com or by phone at +1 (888) 687-4334 for procurement assistance, product queries, or account setup.
• B2B procurement for institutions: Hospitals, EMS agencies, clinics, and other high-volume buyers can enquire about standing order arrangements and institutional account terms directly with the sales team.

• What is an IV administration set?

  An IV administration set — also called an IV giving set, IV infusion set, or IV tubing — is a sterile, single-use assembly of tubing and components designed to deliver fluids, medications, or blood products from a fluid bag or bottle directly into a patient's bloodstream via a venous access device. A standard set includes a piercing spike, drip chamber, flexible tubing with roller clamp, one or more injection ports, and a distal Luer-lock connector.

• What is the difference between a macro-drip and a micro-drip IV set?

  The difference is the drop factor — the number of drops delivered per millilitre. A macro-drip IV administration set delivers 10 or 20 drops per millilitre and is used for standard fluid infusion and rapid resuscitation. A micro-drip IV set delivers 60 drops per millilitre, which allows more precise manual control over low flow rates and is commonly used in paediatric infusion, critical care, and IV hydration therapy protocols.

• Which drip set should I use — 10, 20, or 60 gtt/mL?

  The correct drop factor depends on your prescribed infusion rate and clinical protocol. A 10 gtt/mL set is suited to rapid, high-volume fluid delivery such as emergency resuscitation. A 20 gtt/mL set is the most commonly stocked general-purpose configuration for routine IV fluid and medication infusion. A 60 gtt/mL micro-drip set is used where precise low-volume delivery is required, including paediatric therapy and medspa IV hydration kits. Always confirm the drop factor on the packaging matches your rate calculations.

• What is the difference between a vented and non-vented IV set?

  A vented IV set includes an air-inlet filter that allows air to enter a rigid glass bottle as fluid drains, maintaining the pressure balance needed for continuous flow. A non-vented IV set is designed for use with flexible plastic IV bags, which collapse naturally under atmospheric pressure and do not require venting. Using a non-vented set with a glass bottle will result in flow stopping as a partial vacuum forms. Always match venting type to your fluid container.

• Can I use a standard gravity IV set with an infusion pump?

  No. A pump IV administration set is specifically engineered to match the tubing material, wall thickness, and cassette dimensions required by a particular infusion pump model. Using a standard gravity IV set in an electronic infusion pump not validated for that tubing may produce inaccurate delivery rates and is not appropriate for clinical use. Always confirm pump-specific tubing compatibility with your pump manufacturer before ordering.

• What IV sets are available for EMS and emergency responders?

  EMS teams and emergency responders typically use macro-drip IV sets at 10 gtt/mL for rapid fluid administration in the field. These gravity sets require no pump infrastructure, are simple to prime and deploy, and are compatible with standard IV bags used in pre-hospital care. Mountainside Medical supplies IV sets for EMS in bulk at wholesale pricing with free US shipping on orders over $100.

• Do I need a medical licence to purchase IV administration sets from Mountainside Medical?

  Certain products within the IV administration sets collection require a valid medical or clinical licence to purchase. Mountainside Medical serves licensed healthcare professionals including clinics, hospitals, EMS agencies, dental and veterinary practices, and medspas. Have your licence details available when creating an account. For questions about purchasing eligibility, contact sales@mountainside-medical.com or +1 (888) 687-4334.

• What brands of IV sets does Mountainside Medical carry?

  Mountainside Medical stocks IV administration sets from Exel International and Hospira/ICU Medical — brands recognised by hospital procurement teams and clinical professionals across the United States. These manufacturers produce hospital-grade, sterile, single-use IV tubing and infusion sets in macro-drip and micro-drip configurations.

• Can I use a standard IV administration set for blood product transfusion?

  No. A blood administration set is a distinct product category that includes an integrated 170–260 micron filter specifically designed to remove micro-aggregates from packed red blood cells, platelets, and fresh frozen plasma. Standard IV tubing does not include this filter and is not appropriate for blood product transfusion. Always use a dedicated blood administration set for transfusion procedures.

• Does Mountainside Medical offer wholesale and bulk pricing on IV supplies?

  Yes. Mountainside Medical provides IV administration sets and IV tubing wholesale to licensed healthcare buyers with bulk pricing available for institutional and high-volume orders. All orders over $100 qualify for free US shipping. New accounts receive 5% off their first purchase. For volume pricing and institutional account enquiries, contact the sales team at sales@mountainside-medical.com or +1 (888) 687-4334.