infusionsset

An infusion set, or IV administration set, is a disposable medical device used to deliver fluids, medications, or nutritional solutions from an external container into a patient’s bloodstream or subcutaneous tissue. The device creates a controlled conduit for the liquid and helps prevent air from entering the circulation. Infusion sets are used in hospitals, clinics, and home-care settings under medical supervision.

A typical infusion set includes a sterile housing or spike to connect with the fluid bag, a drip chamber, tubing, a flow regulator or roller clamp, and a distal end that carries a needle or cannula into the patient’s vein or subcutaneous tissue. Many sets also include an inline filter and a protective cap, and some have a secondary line or Y-site for adding medications or cross-connecting fluids. The connectors are designed to fit standard IV or syringe interfaces, such as Luer locks.

Types vary by application. Peripheral intravenous sets deliver standard IV fluids; insulin infusion sets are used with insulin pumps for diabetes management and often have a short cannula that remains in subcutaneous tissue. Parenteral nutrition or lipid-emulsion infusion lines are designed for special preparations and may require more frequent changes.

Use involves maintaining sterile technique, priming the line to remove air, attaching to the vascular access device or pump, and regulating flow according to prescription. Infusion sets carry risks such as infection, phlebitis, infiltration, and air embolism, so monitoring and timely changes per local protocol are essential.

After use, infusion sets are disposed of according to hospital infection-control and waste-management rules. Reuse is not standard practice; used devices should be placed in appropriate sharps containers or medical-waste streams.