Rapid administration of fluid remains a cornerstone in the treatment of shock and when caring for trauma patients, and a range of devices and technologies are available to hasten fluid administration time.¹
This article will explore the impacts of fast flow rate in IV fluid delivery on patient care, focusing on its crucial role in emergency care and obstetrics, as well as its influence on peripheral access devices.
Understanding these dynamics is essential for comprehending the broad spectrum and potential of fast flow rate in IV fluid therapy across various medical scenarios.
Flow rate is essentially the speed at which IV fluids are administered. Regardless of the clinical scenario, the rapid administration of fluid may be indicated to restore intravascular volume, augment cardiac output, and reverse shock.¹ Fast flow rate fluid delivery involves administering fluids at an accelerated rate compared to standard practices.
Fast flow is facilitated through using advanced IV connectors, which are specifically engineered to enable efficient and safe administration of fluids at these higher rates.
Crystalloid fluids are one of the many fluids that can be delivered at a fast flow rate. According to resuscitation guidelines various organisations recommend “the rapid intravascular administration of isotonic crystalloid as a key component of the initial resuscitation process.¹
There are countless benefits of intravenous access in emergencies and the flow rate of IV fluid delivery can affect patient outcomes.
The rapid infusion of fluids and blood products can be a life-saving measure, especially in managing circulatory and haemorrhagic shock,³ where the early rapid infusion of adequate volumes remains essential for restoring circulation and enhancing organ perfusion.³
Recent controversy over the role of fluid resuscitation in sepsis and trauma management has obscured the importance of early and rapid infusion of sufficient volume to restore circulation and improve organ perfusion. Evidence from high-quality studies demonstrates that rapid and early resuscitation improves patient outcomes.³
In obstetric emergencies, rapid intervention can be necessary to safeguard both mother’s and baby’s health.
In a study carried out in Aberdeen Maternity Hospital, the effects of peripheral access devices on intravenous infusion rate were assessed. It was noticed that various combinations of device were present in women being transferred to theatre from the labour ward for intervention and it was hypothesised that they had the potential to significantly reduce the maximum infusion rate of intravenous fluids. All devices restrict flow to varying degrees, presumably due to an increased transition from laminar to turbulent flow. Merely using an access hub effectively halves maximum flow rate of a 16G cannula, making it comparable to a 20G. Devices with integral hubs and combining devices are even worse at restricting flow. The specially designed obstetric “Coventry” connector appears to perform the best. Peripheral access devices should be used with care in patients at risk of significant haemorrhage, for example, labouring women. If they are utilised, then an appropriate device should be selected⁵.
The healthcare sector is continuously advancing to improve patient care, with fast flow rate IV connectors being a prime example of such innovation. These connectors are specifically engineered to manage high flow rates safely.
A key feature is their incorporation of high-quality, high-flow valves, which allow for precise control. The IV connector is the gate keeper of the intraluminal fluid pathway.⁶
For more insights into choosing the right IV connector, consider reading our related article.
To learn more about our IV connectors, see here.
Anaesthesia
Gynaecology
OPERATING ROOM
UROLOGY