What Are IV Poles Used For?
Intravenous poles, commonly referred to as IV poles, are indispensable tools in hospitals and other healthcare settings. They play a crucial role in delivering life-saving treatments to patients who require continuous fluid administration. Healthcare professionals rely heavily on these poles to provide the necessary medical care efficiently. Choosing the right IV poles ensures that your team can offer the best possible care to patients. IV poles serve multiple purposes in a medical environment. Below are some of the most common uses:
What Are IV Poles Used For?
- Administer Medicine
- Portability
- Organization
When selecting IV poles for your medical staff, it's essential to consider various factors. These poles are vital for delivering a consistent supply of fluids such as saline solutions, antibiotics, or even chemotherapy drugs to patients. They must be robust enough to endure the demanding conditions of a medical facility. Additionally, they should be user-friendly and easily accessible. IV poles come in different sizes, materials, and designs, each with unique features. Consulting with your medical team is crucial when choosing the right IV poles. They can provide valuable insights into which features and configurations will best suit their needs and those of the patients.
What is an IV Pole?
An IV pole is essentially a device designed to hold a bag (or bags) of intravenous fluids in place as they are administered to a patient through a tube. Medical professionals can hang the bags of IV fluids from hooks at the top of the pole and connect them to the patient's veins via tubing to deliver the fluids safely and consistently at a regulated rate. Many IV poles come with a rolling, weighted base equipped with wheels, making the IV fluid delivery system portable. This allows patients to move around while continuing to receive essential care. When considering a rolling base, it's important to ensure that the base is adequately weighted to maintain stability during use. Things to Consider When Purchasing IV Poles for a Medical Facility
Reliable IV poles are critical in a medical setting. They must be durable enough to withstand the rigorous demands of a hospital environment. When selecting IV poles for your facility, opt for those made from the strongest materials capable of withstanding repeated use and the challenging conditions of a medical setting. Many versions are crafted from tough, heavy-duty materials, often featuring corrosion-resistant stainless steel. If your medical staff requires IV poles for use during Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) procedures, it’s advisable to choose poles made of non-magnetic aluminum to ensure patient safety during the MRI process. In general, stainless steel IV poles are more durable and long-lasting compared to chrome ones. While chrome IV poles are cheaper, they lack the durability of stainless steel and can rust over time. Rust and wear on the chrome coating can pose infection control issues if not addressed promptly and effectively. For surgical settings, stainless steel IV poles are essential due to their durability and ease of cleaning in sterile environments. When choosing IV poles, consider additional features that can enhance patient care. Various IV poles cater to specific needs, offering attachments such as wire baskets for holding documents, laptop stands for accessing medical records, and monitor stands for portable vital sign monitoring. Common IV pole accessories include universal clamps and steering handles. The IV pole clamp is typically an aluminum clamp used to mount most accessories without dismantling the pole. The steering handle is usually easy to grip with a vinyl coating, aiding in the movement and direction of the IV pole. As you shop for IV poles, you'll encounter a wide range of price points. For occasional use, economy IV poles should suffice. For moderate to high use, mid-to-high-priced models are recommended. If you need high-quality, durable IV poles, avoid cheap, flimsy options. It’s best to invest in poles that can last 5+ years, seeking models with manufacturer support and warranties. Purchase your vital medical equipment from manufacturers who guarantee the longevity of their products. An example of an economy IV pole is the Clinton Industries economy IV pole with a 4-caster base and two-hook top, typically priced between $30 and $40. A durable mid-range IV pole, such as the Stainless Steel IV Pole With Five Leg Spider Base, features a 21-pound base for added stability and is made of stainless steel. These mid-range poles cost between $250 and $400. The most expensive IV poles are designed for heavy loads and some include lift assist features, like the Lift Assist IV Poles with a Six Leg Base, which can range from $600 to $1,500.
What Are IV Poles Used For?
Let’s delve deeper into how IV poles enhance patient care in your medical facility. Administer Medicine
One of the primary functions of an IV pole is to enable continuous intravenous fluid delivery. Depending on the patient and the situation, these fluids can vary significantly. IV poles are used to administer everything from advanced chemotherapy drugs to antibiotics and simple saline solutions. Most IV poles are versatile, offering adjustable heights to ensure the appropriate flow rate for fluid administration. Height adjustments are typically controlled by push buttons, friction grips, or twist clamps, with the standard pole height being 45 inches. Depending on your facility’s needs, you can find IV poles with varying numbers of hooks to accommodate the wide range of IV bags or infusion pumps required for patient care. Standard versions come with two, four, or six hooks, though additional attachments can be added to increase the number of IV bags the pole can hold. Two-hook tops are generally used in areas where fewer IV bags are needed. Four-hook tops are the most common setup for most facilities. A six or even eight-hook top might be chosen in settings where multiple IV bags are used simultaneously, such as intensive care units (ICUs) or surgical settings. Besides an IV bag, you may need your IV poles to hold infusion pumps. Ensure that the poles you purchase are rated to handle the extra weight. Attaching an infusion pump to a lightweight IV stand could cause it to tip over, potentially damaging both the pump and the stand. Portability
One of the greatest advantages of an IV pole, especially from a patient's perspective, is its portability. Since the IV stand features wheels, patients can move around while receiving critical treatment. This mobility greatly enhances the patient experience during treatment. You can easily find IV poles with steering handles and brakes, making navigation smoother and more user-friendly. When selecting IV poles, always prioritize patient safety. As patients become mobile and wish to move around, they often drive their own IV poles. If the poles are difficult to push or unstable, there is a significant risk of falls. Ensure that you buy sturdy IV poles and inspect them regularly to confirm they are in good working condition. To ensure patient safety, consider the stability of the IV pole base. Options include five-legged or six-legged bases, typically with swivel casters. You can choose conventional bases (around 24 inches in diameter), space-saving bases (usually 16 inches in diameter), or spider bases with a low center of gravity, ideal for holding multiple heavy infusion pumps. Spider bases are generally around 22 inches in diameter. IV poles with spider bases are the sturdiest and can safely handle the most weight. Many medical facilities also upgrade the casters on their IV poles to ensure smooth, safe, and easy movement throughout the facility. Transitioning across different types of flooring or navigating elevators can be challenging, but sophisticated casters with excellent maneuverability and control make these transitions seamless. Some wheels, particularly those made of thermoplastic rubber, are less likely to scuff or damage hospital floors. The portability of IV poles can also aid in patient treatment. For instance, if a patient needs fluid delivery but also requires physical therapy or medical testing elsewhere in the facility, the portable IV stand allows the patient to move freely without interrupting the administration of vital fluids. Organization
With additional features like laptop trays or storage baskets, an IV stand can serve as an organized mobile office for your medical team. For example, when patients need to move to different parts of the hospital for tests, a member of your medical staff can accompany the patient with all necessary files and records. Some versions also offer power outlet strips and oxygen tank holders. When customizing IV poles to meet your team’s needs, the possibilities are almost endless. Ensuring your team has access to every attachment and accessory needed to care for patients is crucial.
IV Poles are an Important Part of Patient Care
IV poles are among the most frequently seen and used pieces of medical equipment in a healthcare setting. They help improve patient care and experience by enabling patients to remain mobile while receiving the necessary fluids at the correct rate and dosage. With a bit of research and consultation with your medical staff, you can select the right model of IV poles that meets the needs of your team and facility. If you're looking for medical equipment and would like a personalized quote, feel free to contact us at 1-866-561-2380 or email us. We look forward to assisting you.
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