Eli5: why does an IV drop into that capsule that’s half full of iv and half air?

Question

Eli5: why does an IV drop into that capsule that’s half full of iv and half air?

In: 1726

Answer 1

That’s a drip chamber. Let’s us know that the IV is running, but also at what rate. Most pumps are programmable nowadays but if you don’t have a fancy little machine you can set the drip rate to the proper ml/hr with some calculations. You’ll notice on the line there’s a slidey clamp looking thing. That’s how you adjust the rate or clamp it all together.