How much air in iv tubing is safe?

IV tubing is an essential tool used in medicine to deliver medication and nutrients directly into a patient’s veins. In most cases, IV administration is preferred because it allows for the immediate delivery of medications with accurate dosing that can be regulated quickly if needed.

However, when dealing with intravenous medication administration, there are concerns regarding air bubbles – how much air is safe? Here is everything you need to know about administering IV injection safely.

Introduction

When it comes to air bubbles during IV therapy, we tend to think of that one scene from Pulp Fiction, where Uma Thurman’s character overdoses due to too much ‘air’ being delivered through her syringe. But let’s not forget this was purely fictional! The good news: research suggests small amounts of air actually don’t pose any significant risks or harmful side effects.

So what exactly happens when air enters your bloodstream

The Effects of Air Bubbles: Are They Harmful?

Small volumes (20-50 uL) do not lead to microemolism and cardiac arrhythmias while larger volumes thereof may result in increased venous pressure leading up eventually causing pulmonary edema while embolic events are frequently encountered in clinical practice[1].

Brief History

The concept behind intravenous therapy dates back centuries; however, the first true “intravenous injection” emerged in 1656 by way of Christopher Wren who reportedly gave an animal his concoction via transfusion technique using quills & pipe stems [2]. As time went on many advancements were made such as utilizing hollow needles rather than actual pipettes which turned out to be more practical & efficient.

Research Findings

A study conducted has shown pushing a small amount (0.05 ml/kg) does not cause discomfort or adverse physiologic effects although health care practitioners should take necessary precautions administering large volumes. Due to this study, it can be concluded that injecting a small amount of air during IV therapy poses no harm. But don’t take our word for it! Speak with your healthcare practitioner.

Can Air Embolisms Happen?

Embolic events frequently occur in clinical progress; however, these are usually associated with central venous catheterization rather than administration of intravenous medications[1].

Preemptive Measures

While research points toward there being not enough concern over the presence of small volumes of air bubbles, certain measures should still be taken – as we always say “better safe than sorry”!
Clinicians must visually inspect solution containers and infusion sets before and during use to detect any defects or bubbles in the fluid.
Assessing patient hydration status since dehydrated patients tend to have less blood volume thus having a higher risk for microembolism caused by the presence of an air bubble.

Conclusion

In administering IV injections, safety is always a priority regardless if its only minuscule amounts we’re dealing with. Air embolisms (> 0.5ml/kg) do happen but they’re rare so relaxation is key when faced with a tiny bump amidst an otherwise smooth injection process!. Practicing preemptive measures certainly shines light on how undauntingly safe administering IV’s can actually be as long proper precautions are taken into account leaving ample thanks to previous & contemporary pioneers who continue paving way for medical advancements!

Reference:
1.Harith ALani WAA-MF (2004) RISK OF AIR EMBOLISM VIA INTRAVENOUS ACCESS DEVICES: A THOROUGH REVIEW PubMed Central Digi tal Repository Macquarie University ResearchOnline URL:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2846765/. Accessed: 2019-11-06 (Archived by WebCite ® at http://www.webcitation.org/6zuyPbnCe)
2. https://manoa.hawaii.edu/…/[Student]/History%20of%20Intravenous%20Therapy.pdf

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