IV Infiltration and Extravasation

What is IV infiltration?

An intravenous (IV) catheter is a small tube put into a vein that allows fluids, medicine, nutrition, or blood to be given to your child. Sometimes the medicines, fluids or blood products going through the IV can leak out into the tissues under the skin instead of going into the bloodstream. This is called IV infiltration. 

Certain medicines can lead to peeling, blisters, and tissue damage (necrosis) after infiltration. This is called extravasation. 

IV infiltration can happen if the IV moves out of place, becomes clogged, or if the vein is damaged.  

Symptoms of IV Infiltration

Signs and symptoms of IV infiltration include:

• Swelling around the IV site
• A tight or puffy feeling around the area
• Pain or discomfort near the IV site
• Skin that feels cool to the touch
• Redness or a pale color around the IV area

Treatment of IV infiltration

If your child’s IV has infiltrated, the health care provider will most likely remove it.

• If the infiltration is mild or moderate, it is safe to care for your child at home.
• If there is an extravasation or severe infiltration, your care team will evaluate and manage the injury. 

Care for IV infiltration at home

• Rest: Encourage your child to rest and avoid further irritation to the affected area.
• Elevate the area: Place your child’s arm on a pillow or lift the affected arm above the heart when they are sitting or lying down. This will help the fluid to drain. 
• Apply a warm or cold compress: Put a warm or cold compress on the site to reduce pain and swelling. Your health care provider will tell you which type of compress to use. Apply the compress for 20 minutes 2–3 times per day or as instructed by your health care provider.  
• Give medicines as instructed: Your health care provider may recommend medicine for pain or discomfort. Your child should only take medicine as directed by your care team.  
• Take care of the IV site: 
  • Keep the area clean and dry to avoid infection. If there is a bandage covering the IV site, change the bandage if it becomes wet or dirty. 
  • Avoid tight-fitting clothing, watches, or jewelry on the affected arm. 
  • Don’t apply lotion, soap, or other skin products near the IV site until the swelling or redness improves.  
  • Check the IV site every 4 hours to look for changes in the area. Contact your care team if symptoms do not improve or get worse.

When to call your care team

Call your clinic or infusion center if you notice any of the following: 

• Blisters, bruising, dark color, or peeling of the skin at the IV site
• Fluid, blood, or pus leaking from the IV site 
• Numb, tight, or cool feeling at the IV site  
• Redness, pain, or swelling at the IV site that gets worse or fails to get better in 24 hours
• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your care team

Related Content