IV Extension Set (Mini-Bore, 7″, No Port, Male & Female Luer Lock, Slide Clamp)

An IV extension set is a sterile, single-use tubing used in intravenous (IV) infusion therapy to extend the distance between an IV catheter and the infusion source (pump or IV bag). In this case, the extension set is a “mini-bore” (microbore) design 7 inches long, with no injection port. It has one end with a standard female Luer-lock and the other with a male Luer-lock, plus an in-line slide clamp for on/off flow control. Because there is no port or Y-site on the tubing (“without port”), any medication must be injected elsewhere (e.g. at the patient’s catheter or on the primary line).

Key features and specifications of a 7″ mini-bore Luer-lock extension set include:

• Length & Bore: 7 inches (≈18 cm) of small-diameter tubing. “Mini-bore” (microbore) tubing typically has an inner diameter around 1 mm and an outer diameter ≈2.2 mm. The small bore greatly reduces the priming volume (fluid needed to fill the tubing). For example, a 7″ mini-bore set has only about 0.21 mL priming volume (by contrast, longer or standard-bore sets hold several mL). A small priming volume means less wasted fluid/drug when flushing the line.
• Luer Lock Connectors: One end of the set has a male Luer-lock connector and the other a female Luer-lock. This configuration allows secure, leak-free connections to standard IV fittings and catheters. These are the common 6% taper Luer threads used in IV therapy.
• Slide Clamp: A sliding (pinch) clamp is built onto the tubing. The clamp can be slid over the tubing to completely occlude flow, or opened to allow infusion. This provides an easy manual on/off stop. Unlike a roller clamp (which finely adjusts flow), a slide clamp typically just stops or re-starts the flow. The clamp is usually located near the patient end for quick access.
• No Injection Port: This set does not include any injection/needleless port (often marked “without port”). Thus it cannot be used directly for IV pushes – extra medication must be given through a separate port or syringe connector elsewhere in the line. The absence of a port simplifies the design but requires alternate access for injections.
• Material and Safety: The tubing is made of medical-grade, low-sorption polymer (often polyethylene, PVC, or polyurethane) that is DEHP-free and latex-free. This means it contains no phthalate plasticizers (DEHP) and no natural rubber latex – both important for patient safety. Modern sets favor non-PVC or DEHP-free PVC materials to avoid drug adsorption and toxic leaching. The set is also sterile, non-pyrogenic, and intended for single use only.
• Packaging: Typically supplied in sterile, individually-wrapped blisters, and sold in bulk (often 50 or 100 per box). Each set is ready for use right out of the package. It must be inspected for integrity before use and primed (flushed of air) fully before connecting to the patient.

Usage and Performance

Mini-bore extension sets are used to lengthen an IV line between the infusion pump or fluid source and the patient’s vascular access device. The short 7″ length provides a “closed extension” right at the catheter hub, which helps stabilize the IV catheter and adds a convenient clamp close to the patient. This extra tubing also allows infusion pumps or IV bags to be placed some distance from the patient (e.g. outside an MRI/surgery room or at a nursing station).

Because the tubing is microbore, the maximal flow rate is lower than with standard-bore tubing. BD and other manufacturers note that microbore (<2 mm ID) extension tubing is recommended for low-volume, precise infusions (e.g. pediatric infusions), whereas macrobore tubing (>2 mm ID) is used for high-flow, large-volume infusions in adults or emergencies. In practice, a 1 mm ID line is suitable for typical IV medication and maintenance fluids, but it will not deliver very rapid infusions (you would need a larger-bore line for high-speed fluid or blood infusions).

Before using, the nurse or clinician must prime the line (flush all air with fluid). The small priming volume (~0.21 mL) means only a tiny amount of fluid is needed to fill this set. After priming, the slide clamp should be left closed until the set is connected to the patient to avoid air entry. During infusion, one simply opens the slide clamp to start flow (and closes it to stop). If an IV push of medication is needed while using this set, it must be done via another access point (e.g. at the catheter hub or distal port) since this set has no port of its own.

Regulatory and Safety Information

IV extension sets are medical devices (typically FDA Class II in the US, or CE-marked under EU regulations). They must be used according to hospital protocols and manufacturer Instructions for Use. Key safety points:

• Single use only: Do not reuse or resterilize (risk of infection and occlusion).
• Sterility: The set is provided sterile. Confirm packaging is intact before opening. Any break in the package means it must be discarded.
• Latex/DEHP: Being latex-free and DEHP-free, this set is safe for latex-allergic patients and for medications that can absorb into or leach plasticizers from tubing.
• Luer connections: When connecting, ensure the Luer locks are fully tightened to avoid leaks.
• Flow control: Use the slide clamp properly. A slide clamp is typically not pressure-rated like a conical (twist) clamp; it is meant for on/off control only.

In summary, a 7″ Mini-Bore IV Extension Set (no port) is a short, sterile IV line extender with a slide clamp, designed to minimize dead space. It has male and female Luer-lock ends, small internal tubing (≈1 mm ID), about 0.21 mL priming volume, and no built-in injection site. It is DEHP- and latex-free and packaged sterile for single-use in infusion therapy to safely extend IV tubing and control flow near the patient.