Reliability of Marked Scales on Intravenous Fluid Plastic Bags

Abstract

Precise fluid administration is important to prevent hypo- or hypervolemia. However, the accuracy of scales marked on intravenous (IV) fluid plastic bags had remained unknown. Ten 1 L sized IV crystalloids were prepared from each of three manufacturers (H, J, and D). At each scale, the actual volume of the IV fluid was measured. Differences with the measured volumes for each scale were investigated between the three manufacturers. All initial total volume was greater than 1 L. Except for the full-filled level, H overfilled, whereas J and D filled less. For J and D, the maximal differences between the scale and the measured volume were about 200 mL. Fluid volumes of each scale were significantly different among the three manufacturers ( P < 0.001). It is inaccurate to measure the amount of fluid depending on the IV bag scales. Clinicians must use electronic infusion pumps for accurate fluid administration.