Does having air bubbles in an IV tube make a difference?
May 16, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
Whether air bubbles in an intravenous (IV) tubing have an impact depends on factors such as the number and location of the bubbles. If the number of bubbles is small and they are mainly located above the drip chamber, they usually do not affect the body. However, if there are many bubbles or the bubbles are large in size and cannot be filtered out by the filter, they are generally harmful to the body.
Generally, whether air bubbles in an intravenous (IV) infusion tube are problematic depends on factors such as the number and location of the bubbles, and the situation may vary from person to person. If the number of bubbles is small, they usually pose no harm; however, if there are many bubbles, they may cause adverse effects. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. No harm
Air bubbles in the IV tubing typically occur due to inadequate air expulsion before starting the infusion. If only a small number of bubbles are present and are mostly located in the upper part of the drip chamber, they generally do not affect the patient. These small bubbles usually do not enter the bloodstream and therefore do not pose a threat to the patient's health. In such cases, bubbles can be removed manually, for example by gently tapping or squeezing the tubing with fingers.
2. Harmful effects
If there are numerous bubbles in the tubing and the bubbles are relatively large, and cannot be filtered out by the built-in filter, they may pose a risk to the patient. Once air enters the bloodstream, it can travel with the blood flow to vital organs such as the lungs or brain, potentially causing an air embolism. In severe cases, this may lead to suffocation and endanger life.
It is recommended to continuously monitor the condition of the IV tubing during infusion. If any abnormalities are observed, promptly contact a healthcare provider.
