Flow rate variance of commonly used IV infusion techniques

Fluid resuscitation of the acutely hypovolemic shock state may involve the infusion of crystalloid, colloid, or blood components at various flow rates, depending on the clinical status of the patient. A study was designed in which these fluids were infused via gravity, blood pump, pressure infusion cuff, or being pushed in manually by way of a 50-cc syringe. Flow rate for each fluid and corresponding method of administration were established and compared. The flow rates for each fluid were most rapid with the pressure infusion cuff, followed by the blood pump and the 50-cc syringe. Gravity was the slowest method of infusion. These data may help in the choice of an appropriate method of fluid administration in resuscitation of the hypovolemic shock state.