Vented And Non-vented IV sets

The IV set is also known as the infusion set.

The IV set serves as a conduit through which a liquid substance is delivered directly into the patient’s vein. It serves as an effective means to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances and to provide specialized medications and blood or its components.

Frequently, medical workers use IV sets to save lives. Patients suffering from sepsis—an overwhelming infection—need antibiotics infused through the IV set. Cancer patients need to use IV sets to receive their chemotherapy drugs. Highly debilitated patients have no choice but to use IV sets to receive their vitamin infusion therapy.

As a manufacturer, we have 30 years of professional production experience in China. The way to distinguish these two IV sets is by observing the drip device inside the drip chamber. From the pictures, you’ll see the differences.

Difference between vented and non-vented IV set 

Vented IV sets

Vented IV set is also known as the IV set with air vent. It has a small blue air vent on the spike. Medical personnel can open and close it to allow air to enter and displace the fluid upon leaving the container.

Hard plastic or fluid glass containers need to have these IV sets. The liquid will not flow from a rigid fluid container without an air vent. Manufacturers situate the air inlet vent on the drip chamber.

In vented IV sets, two forces act on the fluid to make the flow possible:

(1) the force of gravity and

(2) the air pressure produced as air enters the vent.

The force of gravity pulls the fluid down while the air pressure from the vented IV set pushes down the fluid. The force of gravity increases when the elevation of the bag or bottle of fluid increases, thus making the flow rate faster. The reverse comes true when medical personnel lowers the bag or bottle of fluid.

Here are some pictures of our IV set with air vent.

Non-vented IV sets

Non-vented IV set is an IV set without an air vent. It does not have an air vent that allows opening and closing.

Flexible plastic containers need this type of IV set. A non-vented IV set requires that the IV fluid completely fills in the tubing to get rid of and remove air before attaching the IV tube to the patient. This type of tubing creates a vacuum within the plastic IV bag so that it collapses as it empties the fluid.

In non-vented IV sets, two forces act on the fluid to make the flow possible:

(1) the force of gravity and

(2) the force coming from the collapsing fluid container.

In a fixed fluid container, such as a bottle and hard plastic, the collapsing force does not exist. Hence, the fluid does not flow. Allowing air to enter the bottle or fixed fluid container by venting causes the fluid flow.

Here are some pictures of our IV set without an air vent.