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This page describes products and general use; it is not medical advice.
An infusion set is the disposable line that carries fluid from a source to the body. The phrase has two common meanings: the tubing-and-cannula set used with an insulin pump (fluid goes under the skin), and the intravenous (IV) administration set used with a gravity bag or an infusion pump (fluid goes into a vein). This page covers both, shows the parts and types of the pump version, and lines the two up against each other. It is written for clinic staff, buyers and students who need to tell the products apart.
What is an infusion set?
A pump infusion set connects an insulin pump to the body through thin plastic tubing and a small soft cannula or steel needle placed just under the skin. Medtronic MiniMed describes its sets as thin plastic tubing that delivers insulin from the pump, ending in either a soft, flexible cannula or a stainless steel needle, with an optional inserter (MiniMed Canada infusion sets page, checked 2026-10-30).
An IV administration set does a similar job for the bloodstream. Under 21 CFR 880.5440, an intravascular administration set is a device used to administer fluids from a container to a patient’s vascular system through a needle or catheter inserted into a vein (Cornell LII copy of the CFR, checked 2026-10-30). For that sense see our guides on gravity IV tubing and IV supplies.
What are the parts of an infusion set?
From the manufacturer’s description, a pump infusion set has these parts (MiniMed Canada, checked 2026-10-30):
- Tubing: thin plastic tubing that carries insulin from the pump. Lengths on the MiniMed range run from 18 to 43 inches depending on the set.
- Cannula or needle: a soft, flexible cannula (6 to 17 mm on the range) or a stainless steel needle (6, 8 or 10 mm on the Sure-T).
- Extra adhesive: the Sure-T is described with a kink-free needle design and an extra adhesive pad.
- Inserter (optional): some sets are listed with an inserter device; others are listed as manual, as the maker’s table shows.
In U.S. device-listing data, a Quick-set record in AccessGUDID describes the product as a single-use infusion set for subcutaneous infusion that must be used as described in its instructions for use (AccessGUDID record 05705244006294, with the openFDA UDI data, checked 2026-10-30).
What are the types of infusion set?
The table shows the five sets on the MiniMed Canada product page. It is one manufacturer’s range in one regional market, so it illustrates the types rather than listing every set sold.
| Set (MiniMed) | Cannula type | Cannula length | Tubing length | Gauge | Insertion aid listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extended | Soft | 6 or 9 mm | 23, 32 or 43 in | 25G | All-in-one inserter |
| Mio Advance | Soft | 6 or 9 mm | 23 or 43 in | 25G | All-in-one (pre-loaded inserter) |
| Quick-Set | Soft | 6 or 9 mm | 18, 23, 32 or 43 in | 25G | Quick-serter or manual |
| Silhouette | Soft | 13 or 17 mm | 18, 23, 32 or 43 in | 25G | Sil-serter or manual |
| Sure-T | Steel needle | 6, 8 or 10 mm | 18, 23 or 32 in | 29G | Manual |
The practical split is soft cannula versus steel needle, then whether the set enters straight or at an adjustable angle (the Silhouette), then tubing length. Those are the attributes the manufacturer’s page uses to tell sets apart. Other makers’ sets exist: the FDA 510(k) database lists, for example, the Orbit Infusion Set from Ypsomed (K150921, 2016) and the iiSure Infusion Set from Deka (K261530, 2026).
What is the difference between an infusion set and an IV set?
Both products fall under the same FDA product code, FPA, “Set, Administration, Intravascular”, a Class II device under 21 CFR 880.5440 (openFDA classification database, checked 2026-10-30). The device-nomenclature text on the Quick-set record describes the family as sets used with an electrically powered infusion pump for intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular or epidural administration. So the same regulatory bucket holds both a subcutaneous pump set and a gravity IV set; what differs is route and design.
| Feature | Pump infusion set (subcutaneous) | IV administration set (gravity) |
|---|---|---|
| Where fluid goes | Under the skin, through a cannula or needle (Quick-set records: depth 6 or 9 mm) | Into a vein (21 CFR 880.5440) |
| Driver | Insulin pump, as described by the maker | Gravity from an IV container (Red Cross item catalogue spec) |
| Typical parts | Tubing, soft cannula or steel needle, adhesive, optional inserter | Spike, air intake, drip-counting chamber, flow regulator, Y-injection site, Luer-lock connection (Red Cross spec) |
| Length | Quick-set records: 60 or 80 cm | Red Cross spec: set about 170-180 cm, tubing at least 150 cm |
| FDA product code and class | FPA, Class II | FPA, Class II |
The Red Cross item catalogue entry used for the IV column was last updated 2018-12-31; treat it as a reference specification, not a current product listing. For parts and drip-rate detail on the IV side, see the IV infusion pump guide and IV catheters. For a tubeless alternative to a tubed set, see what an Omnipod is.
Specification fields that matter
Product listings describe a set with a short list of fields. Use them when comparing two products on paper:
| Field | Example |
|---|---|
| Cannula or needle depth | 6 mm or 9 mm (Quick-set records); 13 or 17 mm (Silhouette, MiniMed) |
| Tubing length | 60 cm and 80 cm (Quick-set records); 18-43 in (MiniMed range) |
| Gauge | 25G soft cannulas; 29G steel needle (MiniMed) |
| Single use, prescription | Single use: yes; prescription: yes (Quick-set AccessGUDID data) |
| Product code and class | FPA, Class II (openFDA) |
Labelling and handling basics
- Pump sets in the device records are labelled single use and prescription-only. They are not meant to be reused.
- The record states the set must be used as described in the manufacturer’s instructions for use, which is the governing document.
- Check the product label for materials and allergen information; this page does not state it.
Common mistakes
- Mixing the two meanings. A pump infusion set and an IV set share a product code but not a route, so sizes and parts from one do not carry over to the other.
- Reading tubing length as cannula length. They are separate fields: Quick-set records give 60 cm of length and 9 mm of depth.
- Generalizing from one brand. The type table is one maker’s range in one market.
Related supplies
For related disposables, see the infusion supplies category at lac.us.
Frequently asked questions
What is an infusion set?
A disposable line that carries fluid from a source to the body: either a tubing-and-cannula set used with an insulin pump, or an IV administration set used with a gravity bag or infusion pump.
What are the parts of a pump infusion set?
Per the manufacturer, thin plastic tubing, a soft cannula or a stainless steel needle, and an optional inserter; some sets add an extra adhesive pad.
Is an infusion set the same as an IV set?
No. They share the FDA product code FPA (Class II, 21 CFR 880.5440), but a pump set delivers under the skin while an IV set delivers into a vein.
Are pump infusion sets single use?
The Quick-set records in AccessGUDID are labelled single use and prescription-only, and say the set must be used as described in its instructions for use.
Sources
All sources checked 2026-10-30.
- Medtronic MiniMed, infusion sets (Canada): https://www.minimed.com/en-ca/products/infusion-sets
- NLM AccessGUDID, Quick-set record: https://accessgudid.nlm.nih.gov/devices/05705244006294
- openFDA device UDI API: https://api.fda.gov/device/udi.json?search=brand_name:”quick-set”
- openFDA device classification, product code FPA: https://api.fda.gov/device/classification.json?search=product_code:FPA
- 21 CFR 880.5440, Intravascular administration set: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/880.5440
- IFRC and Red Cross item catalogue, infusion set (MINSINFS01), last updated 2018-12-31: https://itemscatalogue.redcross.int/health–2/medical-disposable-supplies–14/injections-supplies–57/infusion-set–MINSINFS01.aspx
