What is the difference between IV bolus and IV infusion?
Noah Mitchell
Updated on January 04, 2026
Unlike a standard drip IV where the fluid line is closed, an IV bolus has an open line. Consequently, the fluids enter the body at a much faster rate—in up to five minutes—than with a drip IV.
What is the difference between infusion and bolus?
The bolus achieves a very high peak which only lasts 5–6 hours. The infusion achieves steady levels after an initial delay. An infusion produces a steady level which can be varied and is exactly what is needed, for example during and after surgery.What does bolus mean in IV?
A large volume of fluid or dose of a drug given intravenously and rapidly at one time.What is the difference between IV infusion and IV push?
An IV push injection rapidly delivers a single dose of medicine directly into the bloodstream and takes very little time. In comparison, the IV infusion takes longer as it relies on gravity, although the dosage rate can be controlled more minutely by monitoring the drops per minute.When would you use IV infusion?
Some situations in which a patient may receive emergency medication, blood or fluids through intravenous therapy include:
- Heart Attack.
- Stroke.
- Trauma.
- Excessive bleeding or loss of fluids.
- Overdose.
- Poisoning.
- Anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction.
- Sedation to administer emergency treatment.