How long is IV fluid tubing good for?
Change continuous IV fluids and tubing no more frequently than every 96 hours unless otherwise indicated by the Continuous Infusion Hang Time Grid.
Why is it important to change IV tubing?
IV tubing is primed to prevent air from entering the circulatory system. An air embolism is a potential complication of IV therapy and can enter a patient's blood system through cut tubing, unprimed IV tubing, access ports, and drip chambers with too little fluid (Perry et al., 2018).
How often should IV tubing be changed CDC?
Replace intravenous tubing, including add-on devices, no more frequently than at 72-hour intervals unless clinically indicated. Replace tubing used to administer blood, blood products, or lipid emulsions within 24 hours of initiating the infusion.
Can you reuse IV tubing?
Do not reuse syringes, needles, or IV tubing. Single-dose or single-use vials should not be used for more than one patient regardless of how much medicine is remaining.
What happens if you don't prime IV tubing?
An un-primed IV line presents a potential for a more significant volume of air to be accidentally infused into the patient's circulation. Always close the roller clamp before changing bags. Air may enter the IV line during regular bag changes and be flushed into the circulation with the new bag.
Can IV cause air embolism?
1–8 Air embolism has been reported with insertion or removal of intravenous catheters at an estimated incidence of 1 in 47 to 1 in 3000. 1 Though the risk of air introduction is present with any vascular intervention,8 few cases of air embolism have been reported from intravenous access alone.