What types of IV tubing are most used in healthcare simulation?

 

In healthcare simulation, various types of IV tubing are used depending on the fidelity of the simulation, the learning objectives, and the equipment being used. The most used types include:

1. Primary IV Tubing

  • Description: Standard tubing used for continuous fluid administration.
  • Use in Simulation: Used for simulating basic IV therapy skills (e.g., spiking a bag, priming tubing, connecting to a manikin).
  • Features: May or may not include a drip chamber, roller clamp, or injection ports.

2. Secondary (Piggyback) IV Tubing

  • Description: Shorter tubing used for intermittent medications attached to a primary line.
  • Use in Simulation: Often used in simulations involving medication administration protocols or time-sensitive infusions.
  • Features: Usually connects into a Y-site on the primary tubing.

3. Extension Sets

  • Description: Short lengths of tubing used to extend the IV line.
  • Use in Simulation: Useful when simulating scenarios requiring multiple IV access points or reducing clutter near the insertion site.

4. Blood Administration Tubing

  • Description: Tubing with a filter and a Y-set, specifically for blood product transfusion.
  • Use in Simulation: Used in trauma, post operative, obstetric hemorrhage, and other scenarios where blood transfusion is part of the case.
  • Features: Integrated filter, Y-site for additional fluids.

5. Microdrip Tubing

  • Description: Delivers small amounts of fluid (usually 60 drops/mL).
  • Use in Simulation: Pediatric simulations or any case requiring precision IV fluid delivery.
  • Features: Narrow drip chamber for precise control.

6. Macrodrip Tubing

  • Description: Delivers larger volumes of fluid (10–20 drops/mL).
  • Use in Simulation: Adult med-surg or emergency simulations where rapid fluid administration is demonstrated.

Special Considerations in Simulation. Tubing can be:

  • Non-functional and used when learners are only practicing setup and handling (e.g., connecting tubing to IV bags and ports without running actual fluids).
  • Reusable or modified and may be used in high-frequency training environments to reduce cost.
  • Used with Colored fluids (e.g., dyed saline or water) might be used to simulate unique medications and/or blood products safely and accurately.

Explore our extensive range of IV tubing at PocketNurse.com or call 800-225-1600 to speak with a sales representative.