spiking an IV bag

iluvivt, BSN, RN · Mar 13, 2011

invert your bag and look for the pull tab on the port ...hold the access port firm with your non dominant hand..straighten it out if needed so you do not spike a hole in it. ...pull the sterile tab/seal off,,,now pull the sterile cover off your spike......slowly insert to spike into your bag with a firm push and then twisting motion to the right side. Ask a nurse if you can watch next time you are in clinical. If it is a mini-bag...it is usually just a sterile cover just like on a vial......if medication has been added by pharmacy there may be a foil cover over the medication add port. This may vary by brand but they are basically all the same.

DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN · Mar 13, 2011

You must look carefully at the bag. If there is more than one entry port read what it says above them. Often, one port will say "med" or have a picture of a syringe. That is not the one to put the IV spike into. I cannot stress enough the importance of looking carefully at the bag. It will not always be the one on the right (or left) etc.

When you get to clinicals take a couple of minutes in the med room to look at the IV fluid bags stored there. If it is not obvious to you ask one of the nurses or your instructor. That way, when you have to do it in a hurry, you know what to do. Not that, as a student, you should be handling IV ANYTHING in a hurry.

heavenwith7 · Mar 18, 2011

Thank You for the advice. Passed my Demo. It wasn't that bad, just nerves.

Thanks Again

kbm318 · Mar 18, 2011

With the IV fluid bags at my hospital there is a white port and a blue one ... the blue one is the one you pull to spike the bag

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · Mar 19, 2011

Just remember it is possible to tear an IV bag open when you tear open the packaging, lol. Jokes on the patient you have to be standing over at the time.