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This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.

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Australian Prescriber Vol. 26 No. 2 2003

Intravenous drips (infections)

Many patients in hospital are given an intravenous drip. This allows blood or medicines to be given straight into the bloodstream.

If the drip is left in place for a few days it can get infected. This infection spreads to the bloodstream and can make the patient very unwell. Patients who need a drip may already be seriously ill so an infection could kill them.

As bloodstream infection is dangerous drips must be kept clean. Sometimes it is safer if the drip is inserted surgically under the skin.

If an infection starts the drip usually has to be taken out. Another drip may be needed to give the antibiotics to treat the infection.