Intravenous Therapy

Intravenous therapy (abbreviated as IV therapy) is a medical technique that administers fluids, medications and nutrients directly into a persons vein.  The intravenous route of administration is commonly used for rehydration and/or to deliver medications, vitamins, mineral and electrolytes.  The intravenous route is the fastest way to deliver medications and fluid replacement throughout the body as they are introduced directly into the circulatory system and thus quickly distributed.  The act of administring  a therapy intravenously, or placing an intravenous line (IV line) is a procedure which should only be performed by a skilled professional.  Placing an IV line is considered a medical procedure.  The most basic intravenous access consists of a needle piercing the skin and entering a vein which is connected to a syringe or external tubing.  Usually a cannula or small tube is left in the vien and the needle is removed.  Make sure you are being treated by qualified medical personnel.