How To Prime An Intravenous Gravity Giving Set


How to Prime an Intravenous (IV) Gravity Giving Set

Priming an IV gravity giving set is a crucial step to ensure safe and effective fluid administration, preventing air bubbles from entering the patient’s bloodstream. Follow these steps carefully:

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Gather Your Equipment:

✔️ IV fluid bag (e.g., saline, dextrose)

✔️ IV giving set (gravity infusion set)

✔️ Alcohol swab

✔️ Drip stand

2. Check the IV Fluid & Giving Set

•Inspect the IV fluid bag for leaks, discoloration, or cloudiness.

• Ensure the IV giving set packaging is intact and sterile.

3. Prepare the IV Fluid Bag

•Remove the protective cap from the IV bag’s entry port (do not touch the exposed area).

•Clean the port with an alcohol swab and allow it to dry.

4. Insert the Giving Set Spike

•Take the IV giving set and close the roller clamp to prevent fluid from flowing prematurely.

•Remove the protective cap from the spike and insert it firmly into the IV bag’s port using a twisting motion to maintain sterility.

5. Fill the Drip Chamber

•Hang the IV bag on a drip stand at an appropriate height.

•Squeeze the drip chamber until it’s half-filled with fluid (not overfilled).

6. Prime the Tubing

•Slowly open the roller clamp to allow fluid to flow through the tubing.

•Hold the tubing over a waste bin or sterile gauze and let the fluid run until all air bubbles are expelled.

•If bubbles remain, gently tap the tubing to release them.

7. Close the Roller Clamp

•Once the tubing is completely primed, close the roller clamp to stop fluid flow.

•Ensure there are no air bubbles in the tubing.

8. Connect to the Patient or Cap the End

•If the IV is ready for use, attach it to the patient’s IV access following aseptic technique.

•If not in immediate use, cover the end with a sterile cap to maintain sterility.

Final Checks:

✔️ Ensure the drip chamber is half-filled and tubing is air-free.

✔️ Confirm the roller clamp is closed before connecting to the patient.

✔️ Dispose of packaging and equipment safely.

Following these steps ensures safe and effective IV therapy, reducing the risk of air embolism and contamination. 🚑💉