
Intravenous Therapy
A wide range of medications are administered intravenously or "into the vein" and are sent directly into the bloodstream using a needle and or tube. With IV administration, a thin plastic tube (called an IV catheter), is inserted, allowing the healthcare provider to administer multiple doses with a single needle prick. The type of catheter to be used, as well as the materials used in manufacturing will vary based on the IV application, as well as anticipated time of use.Standard IV sets can be used up to four days for short-term administration of pain therapy, antibiotics or medication during surgery. With standard IV administration, a needle and catheter is inserted into the wrist, elbow, or hand. These products are most commonly comprised of resins, such as PVC and polyurethane.
For longer term pharmaceutical administration, such as chemotherapy or total parenteral nutrition, central venous catheters (CVC) are used in place of standard IV catheters. A CVC is inserted into a vein in the neck, chest, arm, or groin and can stay in place for several weeks or even months. Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC), tunneled catheters and catheter ports are various types of CVCs. The tubing components within these devices are commonly comprised of soft polyurethane (TPU) and polyamide (PA 11/12) materials, while molded catheter ports are manufactured using implantable grade polysulfone (PSU).
For more information on IV applications, please refer to Medical Tubing.