An intravenous (IV) line is a common medical device that allows healthcare professionals to deliver fluids, medications, and blood products directly into a patient’s bloodstream. This method ensures rapid absorption and precise control over the administered substances, making it a widely used procedure. Understanding the process can help alleviate concerns.
Preparing for IV Insertion
Before an IV is inserted, the healthcare professional will explain the procedure to the patient and gather the necessary supplies. These typically include an IV catheter, a tourniquet, antiseptic wipes, sterile tape, and a dressing. Hand hygiene is performed, and clean gloves are put on to maintain a sterile environment.
A suitable vein is then selected, most commonly in the hand or arm, as these areas often have accessible veins. The chosen site is cleaned thoroughly with an antiseptic solution and allowed to dry completely. A tourniquet is applied a few inches above the selected site to make the vein more prominent and easier to access by temporarily restricting blood flow.
The IV Insertion Process
With the site prepared, the healthcare professional stabilizes the vein by holding the skin taut below the intended insertion point. The IV catheter, which contains a needle inside a flexible plastic tube, is then inserted into the vein at a shallow angle. A “flashback” of blood appearing in the catheter’s hub signals successful entry into the vein.
Once this flashback is observed, the needle is advanced a few more millimeters to ensure the flexible catheter is fully within the vein. The needle is then carefully withdrawn while the flexible catheter is simultaneously advanced fully into the vein. The needle is safely disposed of in a sharps container to prevent accidental needle sticks.
Once the catheter is in place, the tourniquet is released to restore normal blood flow. Pressure is applied to the vein just above the catheter tip to prevent blood from leaking out while the needle is being fully removed. This ensures the plastic catheter remains securely within the vein, ready for fluid or medication delivery.
After the IV is Inserted
After the flexible catheter is successfully seated in the vein, it is secured to the skin using sterile tape or an adhesive dressing. This helps prevent accidental dislodgement and keeps the site clean. The IV tubing, which connects to a bag of fluid or medication, is then attached to the catheter, or a saline lock is connected, allowing for intermittent use.
The line is flushed with a small amount of saline solution to confirm its patency and ensure there is no swelling or leakage around the insertion site. When an IV is no longer needed, the tape and dressing are removed, and the catheter is gently pulled out. Pressure is applied to the site with gauze for a few minutes to stop any bleeding and prevent bruising.
Common Patient Questions
Patients often wonder about the sensation of IV insertion. The process typically involves a brief pinch or sting as the needle pierces the skin. While the needle is inserted, some individuals may feel a slight pressure, but significant pain beyond the initial poke is not expected. After the catheter is in place and the needle is removed, only the flexible plastic tube remains in the vein, and the site should not cause continuous pain.
While the IV is in place, some minor discomfort or an awareness of the site is normal. It is important to keep the site clean and dry to prevent infection. If a patient experiences increased pain, swelling, redness, warmth, or leakage at the IV site, or if the skin around it feels taut or cool, they should immediately inform a healthcare professional. These symptoms could indicate a complication, such as infiltration, where fluid leaks into surrounding tissue. The duration an IV stays in varies based on medical need, but peripheral IVs are commonly replaced every 72 to 96 hours to minimize risks.