A Comprehensive Guide to What Equipment is Used for IV Therapy?

October 1, 2025 •

5 min read

IV therapy is one of the most commonly-used medical procedures performed worldwide. To ensure safe and effective treatment, understanding what equipment is used for IV therapy is crucial, as each component plays a vital role in the process, from accessing the bloodstream to controlling fluid delivery.

Quick Summary

A typical IV setup involves an IV catheter, fluid bag, administration set with tubing, and often an IV pole and an infusion pump to deliver medication or fluids directly into the bloodstream.

Key Points

Catheters for Access: IV catheters come in various types—peripheral, midline, and central—to provide different levels of vascular access depending on the therapy's duration and needs.
Pumps for Precision: Infusion pumps are crucial for delivering fluids at a precise, controlled rate, which is necessary for small volumes or specific medications that require accuracy.
Administration Sets and Tubing: This system connects the IV fluid bag to the patient's catheter and includes components like drip chambers, clamps, and injection ports.
IV Poles and Stands: These stands suspend the IV bag above the patient, allowing gravity to assist in fluid delivery and providing a mobile setup for patient convenience.
Sterile Accessories: Proper IV administration relies on a range of accessories, including sterile dressings, tourniquets, and antiseptic wipes, often bundled in convenient start kits.
Home Therapy Options: Advances in equipment, particularly smaller, ambulatory pumps, have made IV therapy a viable and convenient option for many patients in a home setting.

The Core Components of an IV Setup

For intravenous (IV) therapy to be performed safely and effectively, several key components are necessary. These include the device that provides access to the vein, the fluid and its container, the tubing that carries the fluid, and the equipment that controls the flow rate.

IV Catheters

IV catheters are thin, flexible tubes that are inserted into a patient's vein to provide venous access. The type of catheter used depends on the duration of therapy and the type of fluids being administered.

Peripheral IV Catheters (PIVCs): These are the most common type, used for short-term infusions, typically up to 72 hours. They are often placed in the veins of the hand or forearm.
Midline Catheters: Longer than PIVCs (15-25cm), these are inserted into a peripheral vein but extend further, ending before the central veins. They can remain in place for weeks to months.
Central Venous Catheters (CVCs): Also known as central lines, these are used for long-term therapy or when medication can damage peripheral veins. CVCs end in or near the superior vena cava, a large vein near the heart. There are several types of CVCs, including:
- Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs): Inserted into a peripheral vein, typically in the arm, with the tip advanced into a central vein.
- Tunneled Catheters: Inserted into a central vein and then tunneled under the skin before exiting at a separate incision site, reducing infection risk.
- Implantable Ports: Surgically placed under the skin, often in the chest, with a catheter connected to a large vein.

IV Bags and Solutions

IV therapy requires a fluid to be delivered, which is typically stored in a plastic bag or glass bottle. These containers hold a variety of solutions, including hydration fluids like saline, medication, and nutrients. Prefilled bags with precisely measured solutions are also commonly used. The container is hung on an IV pole, positioning it above the patient to allow gravity to assist with the flow of fluid.

IV Administration Sets and Tubing

The IV administration set is a complete system of tubes and connectors that facilitates the flow of fluid from the IV bag to the patient's catheter. Key parts of an IV set include:

Tubing: The sterile, flexible tubing that transports the fluid.
Drip Chamber: A small chamber just below the fluid bag that allows healthcare providers to observe the flow rate and detect air bubbles.
Roller Clamp: A manual device on the tubing used to control and regulate the flow rate.
Y-Site Injection Ports: Ports that allow for the addition of secondary infusions or injections.
Filtered Sets: Contain a micron filter to remove contaminants like particulate matter or bacteria, especially when administering certain medications.
Vented vs. Non-Vented Sets: Vented sets are used for rigid containers (like glass bottles) that require an air inlet for proper flow, while non-vented sets are used with flexible, collapsible plastic bags.

IV Infusion Pumps

While some infusions can be administered via gravity and a roller clamp, IV infusion pumps are used to deliver precise, controlled amounts of fluid or medication. These devices are essential for therapies that require very small volumes, specific timing, or consistent flow rates. Pumps can be programmed for continuous, intermittent, or patient-controlled infusions.

IV Poles

IV poles, also known as IV stands, are essential for holding IV bags and pumps. They are typically adjustable in height and have a multi-legged base with wheels for mobility. This allows the IV bag to be positioned above the patient, using gravity to help with fluid administration, and provides a stable, mobile base for the equipment.

Additional Supplies and Accessories

In addition to the main components, several other items are necessary for the safe and sterile administration of IV therapy.

IV Start Kits: Many facilities use pre-packaged IV start kits that contain all the necessary supplies for insertion, such as antiseptic wipes, tourniquets, gauze, and transparent dressings.
Dressings and Securement Devices: A transparent, adhesive dressing is applied over the catheter insertion site to keep it secure and allow for visual inspection.
Needles and Syringes: Needles are used to insert the catheter, and syringes may be used for an IV push (directly injecting a medication) or to flush the line.
Antiseptic Wipes: Alcohol pads or ChloraPrep are used to clean the skin at the insertion site to minimize the risk of infection.

A Comparison of IV Catheter Types


Catheter Type	Duration	Insertion Site	Tip Location	Primary Use Case
Peripheral IV (PIVC)	Short-term (days)	Hand, forearm, foot	Ends in a peripheral vein	Hydration, short-term medication
Midline Catheter	Medium-term (weeks)	Upper arm peripheral veins	Ends in a large vein of the upper arm, not central	Weeks-long therapies, fragile veins
PICC Line	Long-term (weeks to months)	Upper arm peripheral veins	Ends in a central vein (superior vena cava)	Long-term antibiotics, chemotherapy, TPN
Tunneled CVC	Long-term (months to years)	Chest or neck vein	Ends in a central vein; tunneled under skin	Long-term, repeated infusions
Implantable Port	Long-term (months to years)	Surgically implanted under skin (chest)	Connected to a central vein; accessed via needle	Long-term, intermittent treatment like chemotherapy

The IV Therapy Procedure: A Step-by-Step Overview

While the specific procedure can vary, the core steps for administering an IV infusion follow a standard protocol to ensure patient safety.

Preparation: A healthcare provider gathers all necessary sterile supplies, including the IV catheter, fluid bag, administration set, and antiseptic wipes.
Venous Access: A tourniquet is applied to the upper arm to make the vein more prominent. After cleaning the insertion site, the catheter is inserted into the vein.
Connection: Once the catheter is in place, the tourniquet is removed, and the IV bag's tubing is connected to the catheter.
Flow Control: The IV bag is hung on a pole, and the flow rate is set using either the roller clamp for gravity flow or a programmed infusion pump.
Monitoring: Throughout the infusion, the healthcare team monitors the patient and the IV site for any signs of complications like swelling, pain, or redness.
Discontinuation: Once the infusion is complete, the catheter is removed, pressure is applied to the site to stop any bleeding, and a bandage is applied.

Conclusion

From the various types of catheters to the precise mechanics of infusion pumps, the equipment used for IV therapy is critical for safe and effective treatment. The specific combination of equipment depends on the patient's needs and the prescribed treatment, ensuring fluids, medications, or nutrients are delivered appropriately. While IV therapy is common, it is a medical procedure that requires trained professionals and the right tools to minimize risks and achieve the desired therapeutic outcomes. As technology advances, equipment continues to evolve, improving patient comfort and safety, including options for home care. For more detailed information on intravenous safety and practices, you can consult resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Peripheral IV catheters are used for short-term infusions and are typically inserted into a vein in the hand or arm. Central venous catheters (CVCs) are used for long-term therapy, are inserted into a larger vein, and end near the heart.

An IV infusion pump uses a computer-controlled motor to push fluids through the tubing at a precisely programmed rate, ensuring the patient receives the exact dosage required. This is essential for medications that need a consistent flow.

The IV administration set connects the fluid-filled bag or container to the patient's IV catheter. It includes sterile tubing, a drip chamber to monitor flow, and clamps to regulate the infusion rate manually.

Vented IV sets have a vent that allows air to enter rigid containers, like glass bottles, to displace fluid as it is infused. Non-vented sets are used with flexible plastic bags that collapse as the fluid drains, eliminating the need for a vent.

Yes, IV therapy carries potential risks. These can include infection at the insertion site, inflammation of the vein (phlebitis), fluid overload, and, in rare cases, air embolisms.

Yes, for certain conditions and long-term treatments, IV therapy can be administered at home. This is often done with ambulatory pumps and guided by a visiting home health nurse or a trained caregiver.

An IV start kit is a pre-packaged, sterile kit containing the basic supplies needed to insert an IV catheter. It typically includes gloves, antiseptic wipes, a tourniquet, a transparent dressing, and gauze.