IV therapy, or intravenous therapy, is one of the most commonly-used medical procedures. It involves delivering nutrients, fluids, and medications directly into the bloodstream, allowing for fast-acting benefits and effects. Many different pieces of IV equipment can be used for this form of therapy, including IV catheters, IV pumps, IV bags, needles, poles, and more. In this guide, we’ll provide a complete, in-depth look at all the various types of IV equipment, explaining what they are and how they work.

Definition of IV Equipment

Before we take a look at some of the different types of IV equipment, we’ll provide a simple definition of what this equipment is. In basic terms, the phrase “IV equipment” can refer to any of the many items, tools, instruments, and accessories that are used for intravenous therapy. This can include everything from the needles and catheters that actually penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream to the pumps that help to administer fluids precisely and the bags that contain the fluids used in IV therapy.

What Is IV Equipment Used for?

IV equipment, as the name implies, is used for IV therapy. IV, or intravenous therapy, is a medical process that involves the administration of fluids and medications directly into the patient’s bloodstream via a vein. Different veins may be used and a range of fluids and medications can be delivered in this way. Intravenous therapy provides the fastest possible method of delivering medications and fluids into the body, allowing for rapid reactions and effects, and it can be a crucial and even life-saving technique.

The Importance of IV Equipment in Healthcare

As explained above, IV therapy is the fastest way to get fluids into the body to have some kind of beneficial effect. If a patient is dehydrated, for example, IV therapy can be used to rapidly hydrate their body and provide key nutrients for various bodily functions. Or, if a patient requires fast-acting medication, that medication may be administered intravenously to start having an effect as quickly as possible.

This can be really important in emergency situations. For example, if a patient has suffered serious trauma or injury and needs fluids immediately, IV therapy could make all the difference and keep that patient alive. Patients who have suffered serious problems like heart attacks and strokes can also have their lives saved by IV equipment and therapy, as the other options – such as taking pills or medicines by mouth – simply wouldn’t be fast enough to keep them alive.

Not only that, but another big benefit and important thing to note about IV equipment is that it is the only method of administering certain fluids and drugs. Some drugs simply aren’t capable of being taken orally or in other ways, as they would be broken down by the body’s digestive system. In such cases, IV equipment is absolutely vital for getting that medicine into the patient’s body in a safe and efficient manner.

Types and List of IV Equipment

We’ve seen the importance of IV equipment, and now let’s take a look at some of the many forms and types of intravenous equipment, from catheters and tubes to bags, needles, syringes, and solutions. We’ll look at each main type of IV equipment, going over a basic definition and overview, some examples, and information on how to choose the appropriate piece of IV equipment for every situation.

IV Catheters 

IV therapy simply wouldn’t be possible without IV catheters. These are the thin, flexible tubes that are able to pass into the veins of the human body, forming a passageway that fluids can flow through.

Definition of IV Catheters

IV catheters are arguably the most important pieces of IV equipment, as they’re the tubes that are inserted into the veins, essentially providing the venous access that IV therapy requires. They can come in various sizes, thicknesses, and forms.

Different Types of IV Catheters 

There are two main categories of IV catheters: tunneled and non-tunneled. Tunneled catheters pass through a tunnel formed under the skin and are designed for long-term usage, while non-tunneled catheters are used for more short-term applications and pass through a single hole into the vein. 

How to Choose IV Catheters 

IV catheters are essential for everything from administering chemotherapy drugs to providing patients with fluids while they undergo surgery, so it’s important to choose the right type. Hospitals should have a range of sizes to suit different patients, as well as making sure to focus on good quality catheters that are easy to work with. Usually, choosing between tunneled and non-tunneled will depend on how long the IV therapy is set to last for.

Where to Purchase IV Catheters 

The best place to order IV catheters in countless sizes and forms is CIA Medical. 

IV Infusion Pumps 

Sometimes, IV therapy relies on nothing but gravity to slowly drip fluids into the body. But, more often than not, IV therapy needs some kind of device to push or pump the fluid through the system. That’s where IV infusion pumps come into play.

Definition of IV Infusion Pumps

IV pumps or infusion pumps are medical devices that are used to forcefully push and administer fluids through IV tubes and catheters into the body. They can be specially programmed and set-up to administer fluids in highly precise quantities at a specific hourly rate.

Different Types of IV Infusion Pumps 

There are lots of different types of IV pumps, including gravity pumps that operate with the aid of gravity and syringe pumps, which involve the IV fluid held inside a syringe that is slowly and carefully pushed by the pump. Elastomeric pumps, peristaltic pumps, multi-channel pumps, and enteral pumps are just a few other examples.

How to Choose IV Infusion Pumps 

When it comes to choosing IV infusion pumps, it’s all about selecting the safest and most appropriate type of pump for each process. Syringe pumps, for example, are helpful for delivering small and carefully-controlled amounts of fluid to a patient, while patient-controlled pumps are good for situations where patients may want to administer their own pain relief. Medical professionals should know which pump is most suitable for each scenario.

Where to Purchase IV Infusion Pumps 

You can count on CIA Medical for all of your orders of IV infusion pumps, with lots of varieties and industry-leading prices.

IV Sets and Tubing 

If you’re looking for a complete set of IV essentials, an IV set is what you need. IV sets typically contain all of the necessary elements to hook up an IV, with additional tubing either included or sold separately to extend and adjust the IV set-up.

Definition of IV Sets and Tubing

An IV set, or IV admin set, is essentially a collection of tools and accessories that a nurse or other medical practitioner can use to set-up an entire IV line, including hte likes of tubing, connectors, and syringes. IV tubing, meanwhile, is the various pieces of tubes that connect IV bags and pumps to other IV equipment, like needles and catheters.

Different Types of IV Sets and Tubing 

There are various different types of IV sets, and they usually differ in terms of their contents. Some IV sets are quite simple, only providing basic pieces of tubing, while others may be more extensive and advanced, with lots of items needed for hooking up an IV line.

How to Choose IV Sets and Tubing 

Choosing IV sets is all about finding the best value options and most efficient, effective sets that are fully compatible with other IV equipment you use, like pumps and pieces of tubing. Sizing is also important when choosing IV sets, as you need to make sure you have the safest sizes to suit the patient’s age and body type.

Where to Purchase IV Sets and Tubing 

You can order both IV admin sets and IV tubing directly from CIA Medical, with many products to choose from.

IV Bags and Solution Containers 

IV therapy requires some kind of fluid to flow into the body, and that fluid needs to be stored safely and securely before use. IV bags and solution containers are needed for this, and these items are also critical pieces of IV equipment.

Definition of IV Bags and Solution Containers

IV bags are quite simply the bags that hold different IV fluids. They’re usually made of a special kind of plastic that is resistant to tears and punctures, safeguarding the fluids and preventing any kind of contamination or leakage.

Different Types of IV Bags and Solution Containers 

Most IV bags and solution containers are quite similar in terms of their basic design, but may differ in terms of the specific material used to make them and their overall capacity, with small 50ml bags available, as well as much larger bags that can store several liters of fluid.

How to Choose IV Bags and Solution Containers 

Hospitals generally require a mixture of IV bags in different sizes for various applications, and it also helps to focus on quality and strength when choosing IV bags and containers; the strongest bags are the most reliable and can be used safely, with minimal risks of breakages, leaks, spills, or fluid contamination. Sizing is also important, as big bags are needed for extended IV therapy but some solutions are only needed in small quantities and little containers.

Where to Purchase IV Bags and Solution Containers 

Order your empty, fillable IV bags from CIA Medical in various sizes.

IV Poles 

IV poles, also known as IV stands or bag poles, aren’t quite as critical or complex pieces of medical technology as catheters and pumps. However, they still have an important part to play in the procedure of IV therapy.

Definition of IV Poles

An IV pole is simply a large metal or plastic stand which is used to hold, store, or suspend IV bags and tubes in place beside a patient’s bed. This is very important, as IV therapy can often work with the help of gravity, and it’s crucial for the bags and fluids to be positioned above the patient’s body to let the fluid slowly drip down through the tubing and into the patient.

Different Types of IV Poles 

Most IV poles are pretty similar, and they all work the same way, in general. However, we can divide them into different categories based on their size and general design. There are five-leg IV poles, for example, as well as four-leg and six-leg variants, which have different numbers of legs at the base for support and mobility.

How to Choose IV Poles 

When choosing IV poles, it’s important to find products that are dependable and will remain upright and intact for safe, repeated use. Poles with more legs at the base tend to be sturdier, but may cost more, and IV poles with wheels can offer added maneuverability to allow patients to move around or be moved more easily without disconnecting their IV lines.

Where to Purchase IV Poles 

You can find a great range of IV poles to order at CIA Medical, the home of wholesale medical supplies. We offer a mixture of portable and static IV poles with different bases.

IV Needles and Syringes 

IV therapy typically involves puncturing or penetrating the skin in some way in order to access the veins and guide catheters and tubes into position. IV needles and syringes are the key tools used to penetrate the skin.

Definition of IV Needles and Syringes

IV needles are the sharp, pointed implements that are used to penetrate the skin and guide IV catheters into position in the body’s venous system. IV syringes, meanwhile, are often attached to needles and can be filled with fluids or medications to inject directly into the vein.

Different Types of IV Needles and Syringes  

In general, IV needles are all very similar in their basic design and shape, but they can differ in terms of size, with 18, 20, and 22 gauge needles often used for IV therapy. Syringes may also vary in terms of their size, with some capable of holding more fluid than others.

How to Choose IV Needles and Syringes  

When it comes to choosing IV needles, it’s all about size. Adult patients tend to require thicker needles for venous access, while narrower and smaller needles can be used in children or elderly patients. Different syringe capacities may also be used depending on what sort of fluid is being administered. Hospitals require a wide range of sizes and types of IV needles.

Where to Purchase IV Needles and Syringes  

You can buy all of the IV needles and syringes you need directly from CIA Medical, the leading supplier of wholesale medical products.

IV Solutions and Prefilled Bags

Of course, IV therapy wouldn’t be complete without the fluids themselves. A wide range of different fluids may be used, and there are certain essential IV solutions and prefilled bags that no hospital should be without.

Definition of IV Solutions and Prefilled Bags

IV solutions are the fluids or mixtures that are used in IV therapy and flow through the various pieces of IV tubing and catheters to enter the bloodstream and have an effect on the patient. Many hospitals choose to purchase and use prefilled bags, which come with a precisely-measured amount of IV solution already inside, ready to use.

Different Types of IV Solutions and Prefilled Bags 

There are lots of different kinds of IV solutions. We can divide them into various categories, like isotonic, hypotonic, and hypertonic, and some of the most common varieties include saline solution, which is a mixture of salt and water, and lactated Ringer’s, which is a combination of minerals and lactate. Dextrose solution is also commonly used and available in prefilled bags.

How to Choose IV Solutions and Prefilled Bags 

Different patients will need different IV solutions depending on their health state. Saline solution is the most commonly-used IV fluid for most situations, but lactated Ringer’s can be needed in more urgent fluid replacement situations and dextrose solution is very helpful when patients have low levels of sugar in their blood.

Where to Purchase IV Solutions and Prefilled Bags 

Order your IV solutions and prefilled IV bags at CIA Medical, including saline, dextrose, and Ringer’s solutions in various quantities and concentrations.

IV Equipment Market: A Brief Overview

IV therapy is one of the most important medical procedures in use today, and its importance shows no signs of waning. In fact, as healthcare improves in many parts of the world and populations grow even older, the need for IV therapy and IV equipment is only set to rise, which should lead to continued expansion and growth for the IV equipment industry.

Market Trends & Future Outlook

Statistics and reports suggest that the future is bright for the IV equipment market, with a CAGR of around 4.3% over the coming years, seeing a large resurgence after the COVID-19 pandemic, which stifled the growth of the IV equipment market in many locations, due to the fact that a lot of non-urgent surgical procedures were delayed or canceled.

Expert predictions all suggest that we’ll continue to see growth in the IV equipment market in the years ahead, and the US market will continue to represent the largest market for IV equipment, while the Asia-Pacific region is the fastest-growing area where IV equipment will be bought, sold, and needed.

Various drivers are responsible for the trending growth of the IV equipment market, including the increasing incidence of chronic illnesses across the world and aging populations. In addition, with the home care market also growing, there should be even more demand for infusion pumps and other pieces of IV equipment that can be safely used outside of hospitals and clinics, in places like care homes and nursing homes.

Major IV Equipment Brands in the Market

There are a lot of brands associated with the IV equipment market, with the following names standing out as some of the largest and most trusted manufacturers of IV equipment: 

• C. R. Bard – Also known as Bard, this is a New Jersey-based developer and manufacturer of medical technologies, well-known for making versatile and safe IV devices.
• BD – BD, also known as Becton, Dickinson and Company, is an American medical technology brand that produces a wide range of medical devices and instruments, including complete IV sets, infusion pumps, cannulas, needles, and more.
• Baxter – Another American company that produces a range of medical devices and tools to assist patients living with chronic and acute diseases and disorders. Baxter makes some of the best IV pumps in the business, along with IV bags, IV solutions, and more.
• B. Braun – One of the top European medical companies, B. Braun is headquartered in Germany but sells state-of-the-art medical technologies worldwide, including industry-leading infusion systems, sets, cannulas, and pumps.
• Hospira – Hospira is an American medical technology company based in Illinois. This brand is often chosen for its high quality IV bags and IV solutions, along with its impressive IV pumps.
• Metrix-Secure – Metrix-Secure, also known as The Metrix Company, is a medical device manufacturer, producing and selling precise, versatile devices and tools for medical use worldwide. Its product catalog includes IV accessories, containers, and bags.

Current & Future Challenges in the IV Equipment Market

While the IV equipment market shows good signs of growth and development, there are still challenges that healthcare providers need to overcome in relation to IV equipment. Notably, as the demand for these products rises, prices can also start to go up, and healthcare businesses will need to manage their budgets effectively in order to provide for their patients without experiencing financial problems.This is why it’s so important to find a reliable supplier that you can trust, like CIA Medical. As one of the world’s leading wholesale providers of top quality medical equipment, CIA Medical can be your partner for all current and future IV equipment and supply needs. We have a large and extensive range of IV equipment and supplies, including needles, catheters, tubes, bags, and more from top brands like B Braun, Baxter, Hospira, and C. R. Bard.