IV Poles, Portable IV Poles, Wheelchair IV Poles

IV, or intravenous, poles are devices used to hold bags of fluid or medicine that is being given to a patient at a steady flow. This is done by hanging a bag of fluid on a hook near the top of the pole. The fluid then runs through a tube and into a patient’s veins. They are a common sight for anyone who has been a patient in, or visited a hospital. Typically, they have a rolling base making them portable so they stay with patients wherever they need to go within a facility. There are also ceiling mount IV poles that are used in hospitals to save space in small treatment rooms. IV poles all provide the same function, being a secure place to hang medicine for a patient.

There are many options to choose from, including how many wheeled legs the pole should have, four to five being the most common for stability. IV poles with wheels are a main option for mobility purposes, but they are not a requirement. The number of hooks at the top is also an option, 2 to 4 hooks are the most popular choices. The typical minimal height is 45 inches, but most IV poles are adjustable. What an IV pole is made of is another option to consider when choosing the right type for your facility. This can determine whether a pole will be safe to use in a room where magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment is located. The diameter of the base is an option to consider, as well as the weight of the pole, rubber bumpers on the wheels to protect walls, and how much weight the hooks can hold.

What are the Different Types of IV Poles?

Stainless steel infusion pump stands are high quality IV stands with a stainless steel base and pole. The height the IV bag hangs at can be changed quickly with a knob-lock adjustment. They can have either two, four, or six hooks, and all hooks are detachable and have plastic tips. The stands are available as a space saver or as a regular six leg infusion pump stand. The space saver infusion pump stand is available with 2, 4, or 6 top hooks and a 6-leg, powder coated, ultra-heavy, tip-resistant steel base with black end bumper guards. The 16” base saves floor space, has 3” heavy duty, rubber wheel ball bearing casters, and can accommodate a 45 pound load capacity under normal use. The regular six-leg infusion pump stand is available with 4 or 6 top hooks, a 6-leg, powder coated metal base that is oversized for stability, and 4” heavy duty, rubber wheel ball bearing casters. It is made with an extra rigid, pole-in-tube mounting system, a heavy duty low center of gravity base, and can accommodate a 65 pound load capacity under normal use.

An economy twist-lock IV stand has chrome plated steel poles with adjustable twist locks and detachable ram’s horn hooks. To allow them to be easily moved, they have four easy-roll ball bearing casters. There are many different styles to choose from. They can support up to 30 pounds under normal circumstances.

Chrome infusion pump stands have a chrome plated steel pole with ram’s horn hooks, knob-lock height adjustment, and either a nylon or steel base with bumper guards. They are available with five or six legs and with 2 to 6 top hooks. There are several factory installed features available:

• Infusion pump frame that is 1” chrome plated steel and can hold up to 4 IV pumps.
• Pump support tray with a ½” center hole to provide easy pump attachment.
• Universal aluminum clamp that can be used to mount most accessories without taking the pole apart.
• Steering handle with an easy grip black vinyl coating to aid in movement and control of most poles.
• Oxygen cylinder holder which is chrome plated and can hold D or E sized oxygen tanks.
• IV pole outlet strip with 4 hospital grade outlets, a 6 foot cord, and a stainless steel frame with hood.
• Color key IV pole end tip to color code poles by department.
• Heavy duty wire basket with a black epoxy coated finish and useful for storing IV supplies.
• Drainage bag hooks that are chrome plated with 2-hook positions.
• Base stability weight to add 2.5 or 5 pounds to the base for improved stability.

A fixed height wheelchair IV pole holds an E or D cylinder and has U-bolts to attach the pole to the horizontal or vertical bars of a wheelchair. It also includes a nylon bolt to hold the cylinder snug and an adjustable mounting bracket to fit most wheelchairs. The pole is 68” in height, chrome plated, and has 13 inches between the cylinder stop and top ring.

The power lifter infusion stand can hold up to four 5,000 cc containers for operating room procedures, such as cystoscopy, arthroscopy, or TUR procedures. It is highly durable and can be adjusted to the height that best fits the users. This stand has a cast aluminum base with six non-conductive casters and four stainless steel container hooks that can hold up to 40 pounds of fluid each.

The IV stand for MRI is made to provide effective infusion care to a patient by safely hanging the IV bags and bottles on one of the four safety bottle hooks that are at the top of the IV pole. This IV pole is compatible with an MRI because it is made of non-magnetic aluminum material, which is dark grey. It is equipped with a sealing cap to help prevent the pole from coming in contact with hygiene sensitive liquids, and it is completely recyclable.

A U-shaped IV track system is made with an adequate design to provide easy access to a patient in a multi-function room. It is designed with a compact, light rail that allows for gravity infusion and provides effective work flow. The system is ideal for use in intensive care units, veterinary clinics, and in ambulances. The system allows healthcare workers to manage infusion pumps and devices easily while providing patient and caregiver maximum floor freedom.

A travel pole is extremely lightweight, but maintains long-lasting durability through its aluminum construction. The aluminum is powder coated and machined, and is specially designed for travelers who require one for regular use. It is travel compatible with airlines. Its overall weight is less than 7 pounds and the assembly of this IV pole is quick and can be done in under 3 minutes. It also functions well for in home utilization because of its stability and sturdiness. This pole can mount onto most wheelchairs and is height adjustable.

Rehabmart is proud to carry a comprehensive selection of IV poles from high quality vendors, such as Omnimed, Provita USA, Travlpole, Clinton Industries, Brewer, Medline, Independence Medical, Invacare, and others.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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