Resources for Intravenous Bags

Intravenous bags are used by hospitals and other medical facilities to deliver fluids directly into a patient's veins. The bag is hung on a pole and connected to an intravenous line. The line is inserted into the vein. Introduction of the fluid into the line is controlled by a drip chamber that regulates flow and prevents air from entering the vein.

The types fluids that are delivered by intravenous bags include blood for transfusions, painkillers and antibiotics. Medical supply companies sell intravenous bags to medical facilities. The bags are sterilized and come filled with the applicable fluid. They must be disposed of when emptied and should never be reused. Intravenous bags are typically sold individually or by the case.

Intravenous lines are the quickest way to introduce fluids into a person's system. If the intravenous bags are contaminated, however, the quick introduction of the contaminated fluid into the patient's system creates a critical problem that can result in death. Intravenous bags can be contaminated by foreign matter in the fluid that was introduced at the time the bags were manufactured. Bags can also be contaminated by bacteria if a bag is breached by a needle or other sharp object. Read more about intravenous bags from the links on this Business.com page.