Posted on April 25, 2022

Intravenous (IV) therapy, or IV infusion, is a way to give a person medicine or fluids directly into a vein. It requires using a needle or catheter (tube) that is inserted into the vein. IV therapy can be used to treat many different medical conditions.

You may be able to have IV therapy at home. A visiting nurse or other healthcare provider will either administer the IV therapy in your home or teach you how to do it.2

The IV therapy process starts with a healthcare professional inserting a needle attached to a small tube into a vein in your arm. The small tube is connected to an IV bag that has either fluids or liquid medications. The solution from the IV bag enters your bloodstream through the vein. The IV line is attached to an automated pump or adjustable valve.

You will be monitored during the procedure. A healthcare professional may check to make sure the needle stays inserted, and the flow of liquid from the IV bag is correct. 

The process can take 30 minutes or longer, depending on the type of IV fluids or medications you receive. Once the IV bag is empty, the healthcare professional removes the needle from your arm. 

Who Does It?

Usually, a nurse or other trained healthcare professional performs IV therapy. In some cases, you may be able to administer the IV therapy yourself at home after receiving training. Your caregivers or loved ones may also be trained to give you IV therapy.

Uses

You may need IV therapy if you cannot take oral medications or medications are not available in an oral form. In addition, some medicine is more effective and works faster if it is delivered directly to your bloodstream through a vein. An IV also allows for the medicine to be delivered at a controlled pace instead of all at once. 

Summary

Intravenous, or IV, therapy is a way to deliver fluids or medicines into your vein. You may have this procedure in a clinical setting or at home. IV therapy can be used to treat many medical conditions, including dehydration and malnutrition. 

Original Post: https://www.verywellhealth.com/iv-therapy-5216194