Infiltration and Extravasation
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Infiltration and extravasation are two words used to describe when medicine or IV (intravenous) solution leaks into the tissue or skin around the IV insertion site. Both are caused when the vein leaks or the IV catheter comes out of the vein.
The difference between an infiltration and extravasation is the type of medicine or fluid that is leaked. An infiltration does not usually cause harm, but the medicine or solution may cause redness, swelling, and discomfort around the site. An extravasation can be more serious. The medicine or solution leaked can cause damage to your skin or tissues. This damage can cause a painful ulcer or sore that will need treatment.
How are they treated?
A nurse will be called to examine your child’s IV site. They will contact a doctor for an evaluation and discuss treatment, if needed. All treatment recommendations will be discussed with you.
Some possible treatments are:
- Elevate the arm to reduce swelling in the affected area.
- Depending on the situation, cold or warm compresses may help reduce pain and swelling. Apply 10 to 15 minutes every hour to comfort. Ask your nurse for more information.
- Encourage your child to move the affected arm as normally as possible. This will help reduce swelling.
- If fluid is leaking from the affected site a dressing may be put on. Make sure the dressing is not on too tight.
- In some cases, medicine to reduce swelling and irritation may be recommended. They will let you know what to expect.
When should you call your doctor?
It is not always possible to tell the effect right away. Often no symptoms are noticed. Check the affected site often over the next 24 hours. Changes may occur usually within hours and rare symptoms can appear up to months later. If your child’s symptoms get worse, contact your primary care doctor or an emergency department for further care. Signs to watch for include:
- Swelling (increasing or lasting longer than 48 hours)
- Cool to touch
- Numbness
- Pain
- Pale or light-colored skin around insertion site
- Tight skin
- Blisters
- Fluid leaking from insertion site
- Skin bruised or discolored
- Difficulty feeling the pulse in arm where the IV was placed
- White lumps under the skin
To Learn More
- Ask your child’s healthcare provider
- seattlechildrens.org/patient-education
Free Interpreter Services
- In the hospital, ask your nurse.
- From outside the hospital, call the toll-free Family Interpreting Line, 1-866-583-1527. Tell the interpreter the name or extension you need.
