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What Does IV Pole Mean?

IV poles, or intravenous poles, are a common sight for anyone who has visited or been a patient in a hospital. IV poles are used to provide a steady flow of fluids and medicine for patients. This is done by hanging a bag of fluid on a hook near the top of the pole and having the fluid run through a tube and into a patient's veins.

  1. Standard Options

    • IV poles all provide the same function in being a secure place to hang medicine for a patient. Options include how many legs the pole may have, with four or five being most common for stability. For mobility purposes, IV poles with wheels are a predominant option, but they are not a requirement. The number of hooks at the top is also an option, with two or four being the most popular choices. While most IV poles are height-adjustable, the typical minimal height is 45 inches.

    Additional Options

    • Other options to consider when looking to purchase an IV pole include what it is made of; this determines whether the pole will be safe in a room where magnetic resonance imaging equipment is used. The diameter of the base is also an option to consider, as well as rubber bumpers on the wheels to protect walls, the weight of the pole and how much weight the hooks can hold.

    Pricing

    • A simple IV pole with four wheels and two hooks can cost less than $50 as of 2010. Poles with additional hooks made of stronger, more wheels and MRI-safe material can cost more than $300.

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