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Peripheral intravenous line - infants

Alternative Names

PIV - infants; Peripheral IV - infants; Peripheral line - infants

Information

A peripheral intravenous line (PIV) is a small, short plastic tube, called a catheter, that is placed through the skin into a vein, usually in the hand, arm, or foot, but occasionally in the head.

WHY IS A PIV USED?

A PIV is used to give fluids and medications to a baby.

HOW IS A PIV PLACED?

After the skin is cleaned, a small catheter with a needle inside is placed through the skin into the vein. Once it is in the proper position, a plastic tube is connected to the catheter.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF A PIV?

PIVs may be very difficult to place, especially if your baby is very chubby, very sick, or very small. In some cases, placement may not be successful, and another therapy is needed.

PIVs may fail after only 1-2 days. They may be changed from time to time to decrease the risk for infection.

If a PIV comes out of the vein and the fluid enters the tissue, the IV is said to have “infiltrated.” This can cause the skin and tissue to get very irritated, occasionally causing a tissue burn.

Review Date:11/27/2007
Reviewed By:Deirdre O'Reilly, M.D., M.P.H., Neonatologist, Division of Newborn Medicine, Childrens Hospital Boston and Instructor in Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.

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