Are you wondering what kind of IV Pole to purchase? What features do you need to look for? There are so many options for you to pick and choose from. This makes it overwhelming sometimes due to the wide selection. How do you know which one to buy?
We are here to help provide information on the differences between IV Poles and what features you should look out for. Here are some need-to-knows.
What is an IV Pole?
Intravenous (IV) poles are medical devices designed typically with a long, slender, piece of metal. There is a base on the bottom, and there are hooks on the top to hang bags of medicine of fluid for administration to a patient.
Check the Material
There are a variety of materials used to make IV poles, so make sure to take a look at what it is made of before purchasing. Here is an overview of some popular materials.
- Aluminum is a lightweight option. This material doesn't rust, but it does corrode. Cleaning options may be restricted given that it's prone to corrosion.
- Chrome is a standard option. It will be prone to extensive wear and rust. This is an economical option.
- Stainless Steel is a durable option given that it can withstand extensive use and will not corrode or rust. These are easy to clean by wiping down.
Number of Hooks
IV pole hooks can widely range with development of new types. You will often see IV poles ranging from 2 to 8 hooks. The amount of hooks depends on how many fluid bags will be hanging on the IV pole. If you are just using 1 or 2 fluid bags then opt for 2 to 4 hooks. More than 4 fluid bags? Check out IV poles with 6 or more hooks.
An extra tip is to check the end of the hooks. Check to see if the end of the hooks have a protective covering. This will prevent IV fluid bags from being damaged when they are attached and detached from the IV pole.
Find a Stable Base
The base of the IV pole is really important to look at. There are IV poles with wheels and no wheels. The ones without wheels kind of look like a camera tripod. These can sometimes be unstable depending on the material (refer back to Check the Material).
Check to see if bases with wheels have locking casters. Locking casters allow you to lock the IV pole in place, so it doesn't move. You can unlock them and easily transport the IV pole around if needed.
Other Features
IV poles can come with other features such as attached baskets, stands, power strips, holding rods, and more. These features are available for some IV poles. Make sure to see if these features would be beneficial for your intended use.
Warnings
Do not overload the top of IV poles since they become unbalanced and cause the medical device to fall over.
Exercise caution when walking with an IV pole that has wheels. These can create a trip hazard.
If you have any questions or concerns then don't hesitate to email us at orders@bvmedical.com or call us at (888) 822-8293 to connect with one of our Customer Service Representatives. Where people can reach people.
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