IV Supplies and Infusion Therapy Equipment: Complete Purchasing Guide

Comprehensive Guide to IV Supplies and Infusion Equipment

Intravenous therapy is fundamental to modern healthcare. This guide covers the full spectrum of IV supplies, infusion pumps, and accessories to help healthcare facilities optimize their infusion therapy programs.

IV Catheters and Cannulas

Peripheral IV Catheters

Peripheral catheters are the most common IV access devices. Selection considerations include:

• Gauge sizes – 14G (largest) to 26G (smallest). Most adult patients use 18-22G.
• Catheter length – Standard (1-1.25 inches) vs. long (1.75-2 inches) for difficult access.
• Safety features – Passive or active needle retraction to prevent needlesticks.
• Winged vs. straight – Wings aid stabilization during insertion.
• Integrated extension sets – Reduce manipulation and infection risk.

Catheter Materials

• FEP (Teflon) – Standard material, good biocompatibility.
• Polyurethane – Softer, better for longer dwell times.
• Vialon – Proprietary material with reduced thrombogenicity.

Central Venous Catheters

• PICC lines – Peripherally inserted central catheters for extended therapy.
• Central line kits – Complete insertion kits with ultrasound-compatible needles.
• Tunneled catheters – Long-term access (Hickman, Broviac).
• Implanted ports – Subcutaneous access devices for chemotherapy.

IV Administration Sets

Primary IV Sets

• Standard gravity sets – Roller clamp flow control. $0.50-$2 each.
• Pump-compatible sets – Designed for specific infusion pump mechanisms.
• Vented vs. non-vented – Vented for glass bottles, non-vented for bags.
• Drop factors – Macro drip (10-20 gtt/mL) vs. micro drip (60 gtt/mL).

Secondary Sets and Extensions

• Piggyback sets for intermittent medications
• Extension sets (various lengths)
• Y-site connectors for multiple infusions
• Stopcocks and manifolds

Specialty Tubing

• Blood/blood product sets – Inline filters, Y-type administration.
• Lipid-compatible sets – DEHP-free for TPN with lipids.
• Light-protected sets – Amber tubing for photosensitive medications.
• Low-sorbing sets – For medications that bind to standard PVC.

Infusion Pumps

Large Volume Pumps (LVPs)

• Peristaltic pumps – Most common, reliable volumetric delivery.
• Cassette-based pumps – Improved accuracy, reduced tubing sets.
• Smart pumps – Drug library integration, dose error reduction systems (DERS).
• Budget range: $2,000-$8,000 per channel.

Syringe Pumps

• Precise delivery of small volumes and concentrated medications.
• Essential for ICU, NICU, anesthesia applications.
• Multi-syringe racks for complex infusion regimens.
• Budget range: $1,500-$5,000 each.

Ambulatory Infusion Pumps

• Elastomeric pumps – Disposable, no programming needed.
• Electronic ambulatory pumps – Programmable, reusable.
• PCA pumps – Patient-controlled analgesia with lockout features.

Smart Pump Features

• Drug library with soft and hard limits
• Dose error reduction systems (DERS)
• EHR integration and auto-programming
• Wireless connectivity and fleet management
• Continuous quality improvement data

IV Solutions and Fluids

Crystalloid Solutions

• Normal saline (0.9% NaCl) – Most common IV fluid.
• Lactated Ringers – Balanced electrolyte solution.
• D5W – Dextrose 5% in water for hydration and medication delivery.
• Half-normal saline – 0.45% NaCl for maintenance fluids.

Colloid Solutions

• Albumin (5% and 25%)
• Dextran solutions
• Hetastarch and other volume expanders

Container Options

• Flexible plastic bags – Standard, most economical.
• Semi-rigid containers – Reduced air entrainment.
• Glass bottles – For some medications, requires vented sets.
• Pre-mixed medication bags – Ready-to-use drug admixtures.

Needleless Connectors

Types and Features

• Split-septum connectors – Mechanical valve activation.
• Luer-activated valves – Simple syringe connection.
• Positive displacement connectors – Reduce blood reflux and occlusion.
• Neutral displacement connectors – No fluid movement on disconnect.

Selection Criteria

• Ease of disinfection and scrub the hub compliance
• Compatibility with blood products and viscous medications
• Internal volume (dead space) considerations
• Flow rate capabilities

IV Start Kits and Supplies

Standard IV Start Kit Contents

• Tourniquet (latex-free options available)
• Alcohol prep pads and CHG applicators
• Transparent dressing with stabilization device
• Tape strips
• Label and documentation
• Gauze pads

Specialized Kits

• Central line insertion kits (sterile barrier precautions)
• PICC line insertion kits
• Blood culture collection kits
• Dressing change kits

IV Site Care Products

Dressings and Securement

• Transparent film dressings (various sizes)
• CHG-impregnated dressings for central lines
• Securement devices (StatLock, adhesive anchors)
• Tape and cohesive bandages

Skin Prep and Antiseptics

• Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) prep solutions
• Alcohol prep pads
• Skin protectants and barrier wipes
• Disinfection caps for needleless connectors

Infusion Program Optimization

Cost Management Strategies

• Standardize pump platform across facility
• Negotiate pump lease programs with tubing commitments
• Evaluate premium vs. standard IV catheters based on outcomes
• Consider prefilled syringes vs. manual preparation
• Implement IV team to improve first-stick success and reduce complications

Quality Metrics

• CLABSI (Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection) rates
• Peripheral IV complication rates (infiltration, phlebitis)
• Pump alarm frequency and intervention rates
• First-stick success rates

LAC Health IV and Infusion Solutions

LAC Health offers a complete portfolio of IV supplies, infusion pumps, and accessories from leading manufacturers. Our infusion specialists can help optimize your IV therapy program for better outcomes and cost efficiency. Contact us for product samples and competitive pricing.