An update on ready-to-use intravenous delivery systems

The advent of ready-to-use intravenous (IV) delivery systems, particularly small-volume parenterals less than 250 mL has contributed greatly to pharmacy and patient care. Since their introduction in the late 1970s, the availability and variety of systems have increased. The purpose of this article is to update practitioners on small-volume parenterals systems that have a large product availability requiring little manipulation to make the system patient-specific. Additional benefits such as extended stability, potential for decreasing waste of products, as well improved end-quality are also discussed. With the benefits described that these systems have over the traditional method of preparing small-volume parenterals, there is still hesitation to fully utilize these systems. The primary reason for this seems to be the issue of cost. With various rebate incentive programs offered by manufacturers as well as the benefits that the systems provide, ready-to-use IV delivery systems are comparable in price to the traditional method of preparing small-volume parenteral agents.