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How to Set Up an IV Infusion

This standard operating procedure explains how to set up an IV infusion safely, from patient preparation through to documentation. Follow each step in sequence to maintain sterility, confirm the correct prescription, and ensure the patient receives fluids safely and comfortably.

Healthcare· 32 steps· 16 screenshots· 1312 words· Source video 6:16

Video: Setting up an intravenous Infusion by UCL Clinical Skills (2019). All credit for the demonstration goes to the creator; watch the original on YouTube. The written guide below was generated from this video by Docsie. Creator? Request a change or removal.

This standard operating procedure explains how to set up an IV infusion safely, from patient preparation through to documentation. Follow each step in sequence to maintain sterility, confirm the correct prescription, and ensure the patient receives fluids safely and comfortably.

Purpose

This SOP provides a consistent, safe method for preparing, priming, and connecting an intravenous (IV) infusion to a patient, while maintaining aseptic technique throughout the process.

Scope

This procedure applies to any healthcare professional responsible for administering IV fluids to a patient, from initial patient confirmation through to final documentation of the infusion.

The healthcare professional is closing the clamp on the IV line while the patient sits with her arm extended, IV in place.
The healthcare professional is closing the clamp on the IV line while the patient sits with her arm extended, IV in place.

Required equipment and PPE

Before you begin, clean a dressing trolley with an alcohol wipe and gather the following equipment, checking expiry dates as you go:

  • Plastic tray
  • Correct bag of fluid
  • Correct administration set
  • Saline flush
  • Alcohol wipe
  • Sharps bin
  • Alcohol hand gel
  • Gloves
  • Apron
A staff member in a purple apron and gloves stands by a trolley with supplies. The equipment list is overlaid: Plastic Tray, Correct Bag of Fluid, Correct Administration Set, Saline Flush, Alcohol Wipe, Sharps Bin, Alcohol Hand Gel, Gloves.
A staff member in a purple apron and gloves stands by a trolley with supplies. The equipment list is overlaid: Plastic Tray, Correct Bag of Fluid, Correct Administration Set, Saline Flush, Alcohol Wipe, Sharps Bin, Alcohol Hand Gel, Gloves.

Step 1: Confirm and introduce yourself to the patient

Confirm with the patient that IV fluids are to be administered, then welcome the patient and introduce yourself and any assisting staff.

A patient with an IV cannula in their hand, wearing a wristband with identifying information. The screen displays "UCL Clinical Skills Centre" and "Intravenous Infusion".
A patient with an IV cannula in their hand, wearing a wristband with identifying information. The screen displays "UCL Clinical Skills Centre" and "Intravenous Infusion".

Step 2: Perform the WIPER protocol – wash hands and introduce yourself

Start the WIPER protocol by washing your hands thoroughly using appropriate hand hygiene technique, then introducing yourself to the patient.

  • Wash your hands thoroughly using appropriate hand hygiene technique
  • Introduce yourself to the patient

Step 3: Complete the WIPER protocol – permission, exposure, and repositioning

Continue the WIPER protocol by confirming permission and completing patient preparation.

  • Permission & Pain: Confirm the patient's name, date of birth, and check for any allergies. Explain the procedure and seek permission to proceed.
  • Expose the patient's arm as needed for the procedure.
  • Reposition the patient for optimal access to the cannula site.
Two staff members, one in yellow and one in blue, interacting with a patient in a blue gown. The overlay text reads "Wash hands, Introduce yourself".
Two staff members, one in yellow and one in blue, interacting with a patient in a blue gown. The overlay text reads "Wash hands, Introduce yourself".

Step 4: Assess the cannula site

Inspect the cannula site for any signs of inflammation or misplacement. Depending on your professional role, you may need to double-check the prescription and patient details with a second qualified staff member.

Step 5: Verify the prescription using the Five Rights

Ensure the IV fluids are prescribed correctly by checking:

  • Right Patient
  • Right Drug/Fluid
  • Right Dose
  • Right Route
  • Right Time

Step 6: Check the fluid bag before use

Remove the outer wrapper from the fluid bag and inspect the fluid for transparency, ensuring there are no particulates or discoloration. Check the expiry date on the fluid bag and all equipment to confirm they are in date.

A staff member in gloves and a purple apron holds a fluid bag, visually inspecting it. The text "Check Expiry Date" is overlaid.
A staff member in gloves and a purple apron holds a fluid bag, visually inspecting it. The text "Check Expiry Date" is overlaid.

Step 7: Hang the fluid bag

Hang the fluid bag securely on the drip stand.

Step 8: Open the administration set

Open the sterile packaging of the fluid administration set, taking care not to touch any key parts.

A staff member in gloves and a purple apron carefully unravels the IV administration set, holding both ends to maintain sterility.
A staff member in gloves and a purple apron carefully unravels the IV administration set, holding both ends to maintain sterility.

Step 9: Unravel the administration tubing

Unravel the administration tubing, keeping hold of both ends. These ends are key parts and must remain sterile at all times.

Gloved hands opening a sterile administration set package labeled "Intrafix SafeSet" by B. Braun.
Gloved hands opening a sterile administration set package labeled "Intrafix SafeSet" by B. Braun.

Safety note: Use the roller clamp on the administration set to clamp the tube before proceeding. Roll the wheel downwards to prevent fluid from flowing prematurely.

Step 10: Remove the protective cap from the spike

Remove the protective cap from the spike of the administration set. This is a key part and must remain sterile.

Step 11: Insert the spike into the fluid bag

Insert the spike firmly into the port of the fluid bag using a twisting motion. Ensure the opposite end of the tube remains safely in your hand and does not touch any non-sterile surfaces.

A staff member in gloves and a purple apron removes the cap from the spike of the IV administration set, holding it carefully to maintain sterility.
A staff member in gloves and a purple apron removes the cap from the spike of the IV administration set, holding it carefully to maintain sterility.
Close-up of gloved hands inserting the administration set spike into the fluid bag port, maintaining sterility.
Close-up of gloved hands inserting the administration set spike into the fluid bag port, maintaining sterility.

Step 12: Prime the drip chamber

Squeeze the drip chamber several times until it fills halfway with fluid.

Step 13: Prime the administration line

Slowly open the roller clamp to allow fluid to flow through the tubing, priming the line and removing any air bubbles.

Step 14: Allow fluid to reach the end of the tube

Open the roller clamp slightly to allow the IV fluid to flow slowly along the tube until it reaches the distal end. Hold the end of the tubing, ensuring it remains sterile and does not touch any surfaces.

A staff member in gloves and a purple apron holds the end of the IV tubing, watching the fluid progress through the line while standing next to a seated patient. The IV bag is hanging on a drip stand.
A staff member in gloves and a purple apron holds the end of the IV tubing, watching the fluid progress through the line while standing next to a seated patient. The IV bag is hanging on a drip stand.

Step 15: Inspect the line for air bubbles

Carefully observe the IV tubing for any air bubbles as the fluid moves through.

Safety note: Air bubbles must not be infused into the patient.

Step 16: Remove small air bubbles

If small air bubbles are present, stretch the tube tightly and flick it with your finger. This encourages the bubbles to rise to the end of the tube.

A staff member in gloves and a purple apron stretches and flicks the IV tubing to remove air bubbles, focusing on the process.
A staff member in gloves and a purple apron stretches and flicks the IV tubing to remove air bubbles, focusing on the process.

Step 17: Clear large air bubbles and close the clamp

For large air bubbles, allow some saline to drain into a sink or pot until the bubbles are cleared. Once all bubbles are removed, close the roller clamp to stop the flow of fluid.

Step 18: Remove gloves and wash your hands

Remove your gloves and dispose of them appropriately, then wash your hands thoroughly according to clinical guidelines.

A staff member in gloves removes the orange protective cap from the IV tubing, preparing for the next step.
A staff member in gloves removes the orange protective cap from the IV tubing, preparing for the next step.
A staff member in a purple apron puts on a new pair of gloves, standing next to a tray with supplies and the patient.
A staff member in a purple apron puts on a new pair of gloves, standing next to a tray with supplies and the patient.

Step 19: Prepare to put on clean gloves

Put on a clean pair of gloves before proceeding to connect the IV line to the patient's cannula.

Step 20: Put on clean gloves

Complete putting on the new pair of gloves before handling any patient-connected equipment.

Step 21: Bring your supplies to the patient

Bring your tray containing an alcohol wipe and saline flush closer to the patient for easy access.

A staff member in a purple apron and gloves brings the tray with supplies closer to the patient, preparing for the next steps.
A staff member in a purple apron and gloves brings the tray with supplies closer to the patient, preparing for the next steps.

Step 22: Clean the cannula cap

Clean the cap on the patient's cannula thoroughly with an alcohol wipe to ensure sterility before connecting the IV line.

Step 23: Disinfect the cannula cap thoroughly

Take an alcohol wipe from the prepared tray and thoroughly clean the cap on the patient's cannula, using a firm, circular motion to ensure all surfaces are disinfected. Maintain sterility by avoiding contact between the cleaned cap and any non-sterile surfaces, and confirm that the patient's arm and cannula remain steady during cleaning.

A staff member in a purple apron and gloves uses an alcohol wipe to clean the cap on the patient's cannula. The patient is seated in a clinical chair, wearing a blue gown, with an IV stand and bag visible in the background. A white tray with supplies is on the patient's lap.
A staff member in a purple apron and gloves uses an alcohol wipe to clean the cap on the patient's cannula. The patient is seated in a clinical chair, wearing a blue gown, with an IV stand and bag visible in the background. A white tray with supplies is on the patient's lap.

Step 24: Check for air bubbles in the syringe

Inspect the syringe carefully before proceeding to ensure there are no air bubbles present, which could cause an air embolism. If air bubbles are detected, expel them safely before continuing.

Step 25: Close the clamp

Locate the clamp on the IV administration set and close it to temporarily stop the flow of fluids. This step is necessary before connecting or disconnecting any components to prevent spillage or air entry.

Close-up of gloved hands manipulating the IV administration set, showing the clamp and connection point.
Close-up of gloved hands manipulating the IV administration set, showing the clamp and connection point.

Step 26: Remove the cap from the administration tube

Identify the administration tube connected to the IV setup and carefully remove the protective cap from its end, exposing the key part for connection. Maintain aseptic technique throughout to avoid contamination.

Step 27: Open the clamp to start the infusion

Once the administration tube is connected and ready, open the clamp again to allow the IV fluids to begin infusing into the patient. Monitor the flow to ensure it is running at the prescribed rate.

Step 28: Document the procedure

Sign the drug chart to confirm administration and record the following details in the patient's notes:

  • Name & Strength: SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9%
  • Volume: 500mls
  • Duration: 4°
  • Rate: 125mls/h
  • Prescriber's signature and any other required checks

Ensure all documentation is clear and complete.

Verification summary

Before considering the IV infusion complete, confirm the following:

  • The patient's identity and prescription were verified using the Five Rights.
  • All equipment was checked for expiry and sterility throughout preparation.
  • The administration line was fully primed and free of air bubbles.
  • The cannula cap was disinfected before connection.
  • The clamp was closed and reopened correctly during connection to prevent spillage or air entry.
  • The procedure was fully documented on the drug chart and in the patient's notes.

What's next

For more information and detailed clinical skills resources, visit the Clinical and Professional Skills Centre at ucl.ac.uk/medicalschool/cpsc.

Generated by Docsie Video-to-Docs on 2026-09-09 from a 6-minute video. Screenshots are frames from the source video and belong to their creator, UCL Clinical Skills, whose original is embedded above. If you own this video and want the guide removed or credited differently, contact us and we will act within one business day.

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