Do you always remove the air from IV bags?

[linda2097]

When spiking a new IV bag, do you always remove the air from the bag?

[libbyjeanne]

Nope. I just spike the bag when its on the pole, and then prime the tubing...

[GilaRRT]

Not typically when I am working the floor. However, whenever I transduce a line with pressure tubing, absolutely. This also applies when I fly.

[linda2097]

I think it's a good habit. You never have to worry about air getting into the IV tubing when the bag empties.

[perfectbluebuildings, BSN, RN]

how do you do this??

[CityKat, BSN, RN]

yes, how do you do this?

[NurseCard, ADN]

I third that. I've always just primed the tubing really good.

[cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN]

Spike it, remove the spike, squeeze out the air and re-spike. Or, spike it, flip the bag over, squeeze out the air, flip back over while the bag remains spiked.

I only do it when priming pressure tubing.

[Tait, MSN, RN]

I always set my pumps to 25ml less than what the total volume of the bag is so I never have to worry about air in the line...little quicker in my opinion.

Tait

[GilaRRT]

Or, simply invert the bag upside down after spiking. Then, flush all the air out through the tubing. You now have a completely airless system. However, your drip chamber is covered, and you will need to have your line on a pump. This technique works particularly well with pumps that are very sensitive to air. Anybody who is in transport or uses the Minimed pump system knows what I am talking about.

[geekgolightly, BSN, RN]

Like a previous poster, only when a transducer is involved.

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

No, I don't, but I think I'm going to try it on those little 50mL intermittents.