IV administration set identification system

Abstract

A system is used for identifying IV administration set components, wherein the IV set includes an IV solution container, a drip chamber having a hollow spike for introduction into the container, and an IV line for delivering the IV solution to a patient. The system includes a first identification element that is removably attached to the drip chamber for subsequent attachment to the container; a second identification element permanently affixed to the drip chamber; and a third identification element that is either permanently or removable attached to a Y-site or port in the IV line. In a preferred embodiment, the first identification element is a strip or patch that is adhesively attached to the drip chamber in a manner that will allow it to be removed therefrom for subsequent attachment to the container. The second identification element is a marker, preferably a strip or a patch, that is permanently affixed to the drip chamber. The third identification element is integral with or removably attached to a Y-site or port that is part of the IV line. The first, second, and third identification elements bear matching identification symbols.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A system for identifying IV administration set components, wherein the IV administration set includes an IV solution container, a drip chamber, and an IV line having a port, the system comprising: 
 a first identification element that is removably attached to the drip chamber for subsequent attachment to the container;    a second identification element fixed to the drip chamber; and    a third identification element that is removably attachable to the port, the third identification element comprising: 
 first and second mating sections joined along an integral hinge, wherein the mating sections are foldable toward each other along the hinge to form a sleeve configured and dimensioned to fit over and conform to the exterior surface of the port.  
   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each of the first and second mating sections comprises: 
 a trough-like portion aligned along and adjacent to the hinge; and    a tabular portion extending from the trough-like portion;    wherein the trough-like portions form the sleeve when the first and second mating sections are folded together along the hinge.    
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein one of the tabular portions includes an aperture, and the other of the tabular portions includes a peg dimensioned to fit into the aperture with a friction fit for securing the tabular portions together when the first and second mating sections are folded toward each other along the hinge.  
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first identification element includes a patch that is adhesively attached to the drip chamber in a manner that allows it to be removed therefrom for subsequent attachment to the container.  
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second identification element includes a marker that is permanently fixed to the drip chamber.  
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first, second, and third identification elements bear matching identification symbols.  
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the identification symbols are selected from the group consisting of Arabic numerals, Roman numerals, letters, geometric shapes, abstract shapes, and colors.  
     
     
         8 . A system for identifying IV administration set components, wherein the IV administration set includes an IV solution container, a drip chamber, and an IV line having a port, the system comprising: 
 a first identification element that is removably attached to the drip chamber with an adhesive that allows it to be subsequently attached to the container;    a second identification element permanently fixed to the drip chamber; and    a third identification element that is removably attachable to the port;    wherein the first, second, and third identification elements are marked with matching identification symbols; and    wherein the third identification element comprises: 
 first and second mating sections joined along an integral hinge, wherein the mating sections are foldable toward each other along the hinge to form a sleeve configured and dimensioned to fit over and conform to the exterior surface of the port.  
   
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein each of the first and second mating sections comprises: 
 a trough-like portion aligned along and adjacent to the hinge; and    a tabular portion extending from the trough-like portion;    wherein the trough-like portions form the sleeve when the first and second mating sections are folded together along the hinge.    
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the identification symbols are selected from the group consisting of Arabic numerals, Roman numerals, letters, geometric shapes, abstract shapes, and colors.