Primary and Secondary Administration Sets

The right device for the right application

Overview
Products & Accessories
EIFU & Resources

Where are primary and secondary IV administration sets used?

Our primary and secondary IV administration sets are commonly used across hospitals, in a range of configurations, designed to help support your clinical needs in different care areas, including anaesthesia, oncology, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and general infusion.

Options include basic gravity sets, sets with flow controller, sets with needle-free access, transfusion blood sets, burette sets, open-pressure sets and gravity sets with anti-run dry technology (ARD).

What are the features and benefits of primary and secondary IV administration sets?

Microbore or macrobore tubing?

The tubing size impacts priming volume and fluid flow:

Microbore (<2 mm) is recommended for low volume infusions; usually preferred in Paediatrics.^1,2
Macrobore (>2 mm) can deliver large volume infusions in a short time,³ usually preferred in the Emergency Department and adult care areas.

PVC or non-PVC?

To prevent medication interactions and mitigate risks of exposure to DEHP (diethylhexyl phthalate)*, we offer polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and non-PVC tubing options, including:

PVC (non-DEHP)
PU (polyurethane)
PE (polyethylene)
Low sorbing PE lined (PE/PVC)
TPE (thermoplastic elastomers)

What are differences between primary and secondary IV administration sets?

Primary IV administration sets

Primary tubing is longer than secondary tubing.⁴ Solution from the primary fluid line is used to prime the secondary line.⁴

Secondary IV administration sets

Used to administer a secondary infusion, while a primary infusion is being administered at the same time.⁴ You can connect a secondary IV administration set to a primary IV administration set via an access port.⁴

IV Extension Sets

IV Disposable Accessories

Please note, not all products, services or features of products and services may be available in your local area. Please check with your local BD representative.

*DEHP is not part of the material formulation in most of the configurations, unless the contrary is indicated.

Nickel B., Gorski L., Kleidon T., et al. Infusion Nurses Society. (2024). Infusion therapy standards of practice (9th ed.). Journal of Infusion Nursing, 47(1S), S1– S252. https://www.ins1.org/publications/infusion-therapy-standards-of-practice/
Doyle GR, McCutcheon JA. Clinical Procedures for Safer Patient Care. BCcampus; 2015.
Studer, N., Miramontes, D. A., Winckler, C. J., et al. (2020, December 8). Rapid infusion techniques for prehospital whole blood transfusions. Journal of Emergency Medical Services. Accessed via https://www.jems.com/patient-care/cardiac-resuscitation/rapid-infusion-techniques-forprehospital-whole-blood-transfusions/ on August 28, 2025.
IV Therapy Management. In Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, eds. Nursing Skills, 2nd ed. Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2023. Accessed on 19 February 2026, at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/ NBK596734/