Frequently Asked Questions About Intravenous Therapy

What to Know Before Getting IV Therapy?


When it comes to intravenous (IV) therapy, maintaining strict health and hygiene protocols is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of patients. These protocols are universally followed by all responsible healthcare providers to guarantee a safe and effective IV therapy experience. Below are the essential practices that should be implemented in every IV therapy session:

Preparation of the Area and Equipment

✔️ Cleaning the Environment: All areas where the supplies will be placed must be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly to prevent any contaminants. It’s essential to ensure a sterile environment at all times.

✔️ Use of Sterile and Disposable Equipment: All equipment, such as needles, catheters, syringes, and intravenous solutions, must be completely sterile, new, and stored in their original packaging until used. Disposable equipment should be safely disposed of immediately after the therapy, in accordance with proper waste disposal protocols.

Hygiene of the Staff

✔️ Handwashing: Healthcare providers must wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after any interaction with the patient or handling of equipment.

✔️ Use of Gloves: Sterile gloves are to be worn at all times when handling any IV equipment or inserting the catheter.

✔️ Additional Protection: Masks must be worn during all IV therapy sessions to maintain a contaminant-free environment and to protect both the patient and the healthcare provider.

Preparation of the Patient

✔️ Cleaning the Insertion Site: The area where the catheter will be inserted (usually on the arm or hand) must be disinfected using antiseptics like 70% alcohol or chlorhexidine to prevent infections.

✔️ Skin Assessment: Before insertion, the area should be carefully inspected for any signs of wounds, infections, or irritation, ensuring the site is safe for the procedure.

Insertion Procedure

✔️ Strict Asepsis: Once opened, sterile parts of the IV equipment (e.g., catheter tip or needle) must not be touched to avoid contamination.

✔️ Careful Insertion: The catheter should be inserted using proper techniques to minimize tissue damage and reduce infection risks.

✔️ Secure Fixation: After insertion, the catheter should be securely fixed with sterile adhesive tape or transparent dressings to prevent movement and contamination.

Monitoring During the Infusion

✔️ Constant Monitoring: The insertion site must be continuously observed to detect signs of irritation, redness, or swelling. The patient’s heart rate should be monitored before and during the procedure to ensure the therapy is being properly absorbed. Other vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature, may also be monitored based on the patient’s needs.

Disinfection and Waste Disposal

✔️ Care When Disconnecting: The connection site should be disinfected before removing or changing tubes or intravenous solutions.

✔️ Safe Disposal: All used equipment, including needles and syringes, should be disposed of in approved sharps containers to prevent injury or contamination.

Staff Training

✔️ Ongoing Training: All healthcare providers administering IV therapy should be trained in aseptic techniques, infection control, and management of potential complications.

✔️ Updated Guidelines: Healthcare providers must adhere to the latest international standards and guidelines, such as those issued by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) or the WHO (World Health Organization), to ensure they are following the most current and effective practices.

Communication with the Patient

✔️ Clear Instructions: Patients should be given clear guidance on how to care for the insertion site, what activities to avoid, and signs to look for to ensure a positive recovery. Proper communication helps patients understand what to expect after the therapy.

✔️ Personalized Follow-Up: If needed, healthcare providers should offer further support and guidance to resolve any doubts or concerns the patient may have during the recovery period.

In most cases, intravenous therapy lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour, making it a quick and comfortable procedure. During the session, you can relax, read, or simply enjoy a moment of rest in a calm and comfortable environment.

Some therapies may require a slower administration, depending on factors such as your health condition, weight, or physiological characteristics. For example, specific treatments like NAD+ therapy may take a bit longer to ensure proper absorption. In these cases, our medical team will inform you in advance so you can plan your schedule accordingly.

One of the great advantages of this treatment is that once it’s finished, you can resume your day without any downtime. It is a fast, efficient, and practical way to take care of your health without disrupting your daily routine.

In general, intravenous therapy is not usually painful. Most people feel a slight pinch or sting when the needle is inserted, which is a brief sensation lasting only a few seconds. Once the catheter is in place, the procedure is typically very comfortable, and many people hardly notice it.

It’s important to highlight that the experience and skill of the nurse performing the procedure play a crucial role in minimizing any discomfort or pain. At our clinic, we have highly trained nurses who have successfully performed over 1,000 intravenous therapies, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience for every patient. This level of expertise guarantees that the procedure is as minimally invasive as possible while prioritizing your well-being.

Additionally, any discomfort, if present, is typically mild and temporary, limited to the insertion site. The procedure is designed to ensure patient comfort, making intravenous therapy a safe and tolerable option for most people.

Intravenous therapy is a safe and effective treatment when administered by trained professionals. Most people do not experience any side effects. However, in some cases, mild effects such as slight irritation or swelling at the injection site may occur. These effects are temporary and usually resolve on their own quickly without the need for intervention.

It is important to note that our team of experts takes all necessary precautions to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the entire treatment. We make sure every step is carried out with the highest level of care for your well-being. If you experience any discomfort after the treatment, our team is available to provide the necessary support whenever needed.

Infection prevention is a priority in intravenous therapy, and strict hygiene and safety protocols are implemented:

✔️ Rigorous hygiene: The medical staff performs thorough handwashing and wears sterile gloves throughout the procedure.
✔️ Sterile materials: All equipment used, such as needles, catheters, and solutions, are completely sterile and for single-use only, avoiding any risk of cross-contamination.
✔️ Skin disinfection: Before inserting the catheter, the patient’s skin is carefully cleaned and disinfected with antiseptic solutions to eliminate any microorganisms.
✔️ Aseptic technique: An aseptic technique is followed at all times, ensuring the environment and the procedure remain free of contaminants.
✔️ Constant monitoring: Once the intravenous line is placed, it is regularly checked for signs of redness, swelling, or discomfort that may indicate an infection.
✔️ Regular equipment change: If the treatment is prolonged, the equipment is replaced according to medical recommendations to prevent infections associated with prolonged use.

In most cases, intravenous therapy can be safely combined with other treatments or therapies. However, it is important for the patient to inform the healthcare staff if they are taking any medications or receiving additional treatments, in order to avoid potential reactions and ensure a safe application.

Before starting any session, the healthcare staff collects relevant information about the patient’s medical history to tailor the therapy to their specific needs. This ensures a safer service, aligned with the patient’s overall well-being.

Each patient has unique expectations and needs, which is why intravenous therapy can be personalized to address specific health and wellness goals. Whether it’s a boost of energy, deep hydration, or a treatment to strengthen the immune system, intravenous therapy can be tailored to provide a more personalized experience.

However, to personalize a treatment that addresses specific health issues, it is essential to consult with a trained healthcare professional. Only a specialized professional can perform a precise diagnosis and a comprehensive evaluation, ensuring the creation of a safe and effective therapeutic formula, tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

For those who prefer more structured options, there are also predefined packages that combine the most popular treatments. These packages are designed to address common needs such as post-workout recovery or stress relief, providing an efficient solution for general health concerns.

 

Post-treatment care is crucial to ensure the best results and avoid complications. Following the right guidelines based on your treatment, health status, and goals will ensure a quick and smooth recovery.

Some general recommendations include:

✔️ Proper hydration: Staying hydrated after therapy helps your body process and make the most of the nutrients and fluids provided. Additionally, good hydration supports the detoxification of the body, helping eliminate toxins efficiently.

✔️ Rest and avoid excessive effort: It’s recommended to avoid intense physical activities and sudden movements in the first few hours after treatment to allow your body to recover optimally.

✔️ Follow dietary recommendations: Depending on the treatment received, following a specific diet or avoiding certain foods may help maximize the benefits of the therapy.

✔️ Monitor the puncture area: Keep the area where the infusion was placed clean and check for signs of redness or swelling. If discomfort or any reactions occur, it’s important to seek medical advice immediately.

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