I have a question regarding blood tubing set-up and priming. When spiking the saline bag with the priming set does anyone expel the air present in saline bag prior to priming the blood tubing ?

unregistered,

The air in the bag has a purpose, without it, you would not be able to measure accurately how much saline is in the bag.

Out of curiosity, why would you want to expell it?

Chuck

In critical care areas the air is expelled from bags that are under pressure so that you can't administer and air bolus.

quote:

Originally posted by Chuck W:
unregistered,

The air in the bag has a purpose, without it, you would not be able to measure accurately how much saline is in the bag.

Out of curiosity, why would you want to expell it?

Chuck

We also remove air from the bags used to mix medications. This prevents air from entering the system if the bag runs dry. Fluid remains in the IV line.

Chuck

We also expel air in the bags used to mix medications. This will prevent air from entering the system if the bag runs dry.

Honey and qweenbee,

I think the original question was about the liter bags of saline used for priming the bloodlines not the saline used for giving meds. If you have to give a bolus of saline during dialysis, it's a definate benefit to have the meniscus so you can see how much is infused.

Chuck

Thank you for your replies. I have heard that some dialysis facilities do remove air from their 1 liter saline bags to assist in prevention of air entering the blood line circuit. The question regarding determining amounts of saline given during treatment i.e. a saline bolus for hypotension, these units feel the equation: time ( of saline given ) X blood pump speed displayed ( during saline infusion ) is a more accurate measurement of amounts then reading the bag meniscus.