IV infusion therapy typically takes place in a clinical setting, such as a doctor’s office, hospital, outpatient facility, or infusion center. Some types of infusion therapy can be given by healthcare providers in the home.
Each IV session means new needle sticks. So, if you’re expected to need multiple IV therapy sessions, your doctor may recommend alternatives to a standard IV line. Central lines can be inserted into your chest, arm, neck, or groin and remain for an extended time.
Another alternative is to he a port surgically implanted under your skin. In future treatments, the needle can be inserted into the port to access the vein without sticking you. The port will be surgically removed after you’ve completed all your treatments.
Whatever the setting, IV therapy is administered by nurses or other trained medical professionals. The procedure requires careful monitoring, so if the process is going to take more than a few minutes, there is usually some sort of control mechanism attached to the line to ensure proper delivery. Frequent or remote monitoring always accompanies infusion therapy.
Depending on the medication, it may be pre-prepared or prepared just prior to use.
If the infusion is expected to take several hours in an outpatient setting, you’ll typically be offered a reclining chair. You can bring reading materials, blankets, or other items to help you feel comfortable.
Before beginning, your nurse will perform a series of checks to verify:
your identitythe right medication and the right dosethe right time, as some medications are given at a specific time of day or for a specific length of timethe right route, such as vein, injection, or portA needle will be inserted into the port or a suitable vein, usually in the arm. A tube will connect it to an IV bag holding the medication. The bag will be hung so that the solution drips into your bloodstream. Depending on your particular treatment, you may need multiple IV bags.
The length of each treatment depends on the medication and your specific condition. It could take 30 minutes or several hours.
You’ll typically receive plenty of fluids, so don’t be surprised if you need to use the bathroom. You’ll be able to bring the IV pole with you, but be sure to tell those monitoring you first.
Once the medication dispenses, the catheter will be removed.