IV fluids are one of the quickest ways to transfer electrolytes, medications, nutrients, etc. to the bloodstream. Their use is also extensive because these are simple, sterile solutions that are non-pyrogenic and non-irritant to the body. There are several IV bag types that have different applications.
IV bags are used in healthcare facilities to provide necessary medications to patients
In this article, let us go through some of the IV bag types and understand their basic composition as well as usage.
What is an IV Bag?
An IV bag is a container made up of flexible plastic that carries necessary fluids, medications, as well as nutrients for patients who need intravenous or IV therapy. These bags often contain electrolytes including sodium, potassium, and chloride.
Some IV bag types carry glucose which can either be administered on its own for the management of dehydration or low blood glucose levels or can act as a carrier for the delivery of other medications.
As for the capacity, an IV bag can be a 50 ml, 100 ml, 250 ml, or 500 ml bag. In addition, an IV bag of 1000 ml capacity is also available for attaching to drip systems.
IV Bag Types and Classification
When it comes to IV bag types, there are several options available. In general, the IV bags can be categorized in the following categories based on different points of view:
Based on the Size of Solute
A solution is prepared by mixing a solute into a solvent until a homogeneous state is achieved. This added solute can be of any size based on which the solution can be categorized into colloids, crystalloids, or suspensions. As IV bag types only include the first two, let us discuss them in detail:
Crystalloid Solutions
In crystalline solutions, the size of the solute is even smaller than that in the colloidal solutions. These solute particles are not visible under a microscope (except the ultramicroscope). Due to being extremely small in size, the solute particles in these solutions can easily pass through the cell membranes.
These types of IV fluids are ideal for intravenous delivery as they can quickly reach into the cells. The following are some of the examples of crystalloid solutions:
- Normal saline (NS)
- Half saline
- Lactated Ringer’s solution
- Dextrose water solution (D5W)
Colloid Solutions
When we look at an IV fluid under a microscope, we can see that the liquid contains small molecules that are not visible to the naked eye. The solutions containing such particles are classified as colloidal solutions.
These IV bag types can pass cell membranes but not as easily as the crystalloids can. Hence, the solutes administered using colloidal solutions are intended to remain in the bloodstream. Some of the following solutions are an example of colloid fluids:
- Albumin solutions
- Hetastarch
IV bag types are many and have vast applications in healthcare facilities
Based on the Concentration of Solute/Tonicity
Apart from the size of the added solute, another important factor is its concentration in the solution. This factor is termed tonicity which refers to the relative strength of two solutions being compared. Based on this, the IV solutions can be categorized into the following:
Hypertonic Solutions
Imagine two solutions close to one another. Let us label them as solution A and solution B. Now. Let’s suppose that solution A has a higher solute concentration than solution B while the amount of solvent is the same in both solutions.
In this scenario, we are comparing two solutions, one with high solute concentration the one with low solute concentration. Solution A which has a relatively higher solute content is called a hypertonic solution.
An example of hypertonic solutions is the following:
| Hypertonic IV Solutions | Composition | pH | Osmolarity (mOsm/L) |
| 3% Sodium Chloride | Sodium chloride | 5.8 | 1027 |
| 5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride | Sodium chloride, Dextrose | 4.3 | 406 |
| 5% Dextrose and Lactated Ringer’s Solution | Sodium chloride, sodium lactate, dextrose, potassium chloride | 6.6 | 530 |
Hypotonic IV Fluids
Let’s go back to the example given above where one solution has a higher solute concentration (solution A) than the other (solution B). In this situation, the solution B which contains relatively lower solute content is termed a hypotonic solution. The following table enlists some of the hypotonic solutions:
| Hypotonic IV Fluids | Composition | pH | Osmolarity (mOsm/L) |
| 0.45% Sodium Chloride | Sodium chloride | 4.5 to 7.0 | 154 |
| 5% Dextrose in Water (D5W) | Dextrose | 4.3 | 252 |
Isotonic Solutions
If both the solutions being compared have similar solute concentrations, these are called isotonic solutions. This property of isotonicity is essential when an IV fluid is to be administered intravenously. The following are some of the examples of isotonic IV bags:
| Isotonic IV Solutions | Composition | pH | Osmolarity (mOsm/L) |
| 0.9% Sodium Chloride | Sodium chloride | 5.5 | 286 |
| 5% Dextrose in Water (D5W) | Dextrose | 4.3 | 252 |
| Lactated Ringer’s Solution | Sodium chloride, sodium lactate, potassium chloride | 6.5 | 273 |
Let us discuss some of these solutions in detail in the next section.
Commonly Used IV Bag Types
The following are some of the commonly used IV bag types along with their applications and contraindications:
Normal Saline Solution
Normal saline (NS) or saline solutions are one of the IV bag types which are formulated by dissolving 9 grams of table salt in 1 liter of distilled water. It is completely sterile and non-pyrogenic which means it cannot carry any microbes to the patient’s body to elevate the risk of an infection.
Normal saline is employed to achieve the following benefits:
- Treatment of vomiting, diarrhea, and shock
- Management of hemorrhage
- Treatment of metabolic alkalosis
- Fluid replacement in diabetic ketoacidosis
- Blood transfusion
- Management of hypercalcemia
- Management of hyponatremia
The use of normal saline in patients with heart and kidney diseases should be done cautiously.
IV fluids are the quickest way to deliver medications to the body
Half Normal Saline
Half normal saline is 45% NaCl and has a half concentration of sodium chloride as compared to that added in normal saline 0.9%. Therefore, the solution is hypotonic and sterile. The uses of half-normal saline are as follows:
- Water replacement in case of severe dehydration
- Management of sodium chloride depletion
- Elevation of overall fluid volume
- Management of gastric fluid loss
Despite several benefits, half-normal saline must not be used in patients with burns, liver disease, or trauma as there is a risk of fluid depletion.
Lactated Ringer’s Solution
Ringer’s lactate solution is another IV fluid that contains sodium lactate in addition to sodium chloride and potassium chloride along with calcium. The use of Ringer’s lactate solution is common in the following cases:
- Burns
- Management of severe dehydration
- Treatment of fluid and blood loss
- Management of hypovolemia by fluid replenishment
Due to its potassium content, the use of Ringer’s lactate solution should be avoided in patients with renal failure as well as liver diseases.
Dextrose in Water
Dextrose is a sugar molecule that can be added to water, saline, or lactated Ringer’s solution before intravenous administration. However, the most commonly employed solution is dextrose in water (D5W). It is a crystalloid solution that is isotonic but physiologically hypotonic.
It is because the solution enters the body as an isotonic fluid. Once the dextrose present in the solution is absorbed by our cells, the solution becomes hypotonic. Being a caloric agent, 1 liter of dextrose solution contains 170 calories. Common uses of dextrose in water are:
- Rehydration
- Management of hypernatremia
- Balancing of fluid volume
The administration of dextrose water solution should be avoided in patients with heart and kidney issues as well as in those who have increased intracranial pressure.
Suitable IV bag types should be chosen based on the patient’s needs
IV Bag Types at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
IV solutions are necessary in healthcare facilities due to their quick reach to the bloodstream without having to go through the prolonged process of digestion. Different IV bag types are available each of which has different uses and contraindications. Some of these IV bag types are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below along with their features and purchase links:
ICU Medical Hospira Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection IV Solution 250 mL 24/Cs
ICU Medical Hospira Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection IV Solution 250 mL 24/Cs
US$329.88
Product Details
ICU Medical Hospira sodium chloride 0.9% injection IV solution contains 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl) as its active ingredient. The solvent used to dissolve the solute is water for injection which is sterile as well as pyrogens-free. The product comes in a 250 ml plastic bag which is flexible yet strong enough to hold the solution until IV administration.
The solution is employed on its own for the replenishment of lost electrolytes due to dehydration or a disease state. In addition, these ICU Medical Hospira sodium chloride 0.9% injection IV solutions can also be used to administer certain medications and nutrients to the body.
ICU Medical Hospira Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection IV Solution 500 mL 24/Cs
ICU Medical Hospira Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection IV Solution 500 mL 24/Cs
US$329.88
Product Details
ICU Medical Hospira sodium chloride 0.9% injection IV solution has similar properties as those of the solution mentioned above. The difference is in the volume of the solution as this product contains 500 ml of the IV solution in a non-toxic, flexible plastic bag. All of these intravenous solutions are prepared by following the method proposed by the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP).
B. Braun L7500: Lactated Ringer’s Solution IV 1000 mL CS/12
US$519.88
Product Details
- Braun L7500 lactated Ringer’s solution is an intravenous solution that contains multiple solutes i.e. sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, as well as sodium lactate. All of these are dissolved in sterile water for injection to obtain the solution. These B. Braun L7500 lactated Ringer’s solution packs contain 1000 ml product which is employed for fluid replenishment.
Grifols 729620 IV Injection Solution Sodium Chloride 0.9% 500mL Bag 20 EA/CS
Grifols 729620 IV Injection Solution Sodium Chloride 0.9% 500mL Bag 20 EA/CS
US$579.88
Product Details
Grifols 729620 IV injection solution contains sodium chloride 0.9% as an active ingredient. These come in non-toxic packaging which is free from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Moreover, toxins and allergens like DEHP and natural rubber latex are also absent in the bags used to store these IV solutions which renders them extremely safe for the patients. In addition, the product is also sterile and non-pyrogenic.
Baxter 2B0041 5% Dextrose Injection, USP in Mini-Bag Plus Container, 100 mL (80/CS)
Baxter 2B0041 5% Dextrose Injection, USP in Mini-Bag Plus Container, 100 mL (80/CS)
US$549.88
Product Details
Baxter 2B0041 5% dextrose injection, USP is the dextrose in water solution which is administered as a caloric agent to provide some energy to the patients. This is because dextrose can be metabolized by the body and thus balances the blood sugar level. The product comes in safe and non-toxic plastic bags with a capacity of 100 ml.
In addition, these Baxter 2B0041 5% dextrose injection solutions do not have any kind of preservatives which renders them even safer. The method used for the preparation of these solutions is taken from the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP).
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
:IV solutions are used to provide nutrients to some patients as well
The IV bag types mentioned in this article, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of products for intravenous therapy.
Conclusion
IV solutions are necessary, especially for hospitalized patients who are unconscious or in a state of coma. Different IV bag types are also utilized in children and adults for the delivery of necessary nutrients in the form of TPN. Hence, the importance of IV solutions is undeniable.
Several different IV bag types are available in the market which include hypotonic, hypertonic, as well as isotonic options. Each of these solutions has its own benefits and contraindications and a suitable IV solution should be chosen by the healthcare provider depending upon the patient’s needs.
Considering their vast utilization, different IV bag types must be stocked up in bulk in every healthcare facility. For purchasing different IV bag types, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
