What does peripheral infusion mean?: A comprehensive guide to understanding this common medical procedure

September 28, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 1 billion peripheral intravenous catheters are used worldwide each year, making it one of the most common invasive medical procedures. So, what does peripheral infusion mean? It refers to the delivery of fluids, medications, or blood products into a patient's bloodstream through a small, flexible catheter inserted into a peripheral vein, typically in the arm or hand.

Quick Summary

Peripheral infusion involves inserting a short catheter into a small vein in a limb, providing a temporary and effective way to administer fluids and medications directly into the bloodstream for short-term treatment. It is a rapid and controlled method for delivering therapy, distinct from central venous access which uses larger, longer catheters placed in major veins for long-term or more concentrated treatments.

Key Points

Definition: Peripheral infusion means administering fluids or medication via a short catheter inserted into a small, superficial vein, typically in the arm or hand.
Short-term Use: This procedure is used for short-term treatments lasting only a few days, unlike central lines which are for long-term use.
Common Applications: It is used for rehydration, antibiotic delivery, pain medication, and blood transfusions.
Distinction from Central Lines: Peripheral infusions use smaller, more accessible veins, while central lines access larger, deeper veins and are for more intensive or long-term therapy.
Potential Complications: Though safe, potential complications include phlebitis (vein inflammation), infiltration (leaking fluid), and hematoma (bruising).
Minimal Discomfort: Aside from a pinch during insertion, the procedure should not cause ongoing pain; any burning or discomfort should be reported to a healthcare provider.

What is Peripheral Infusion?

Peripheral infusion, also known as peripheral intravenous (IV) therapy, is a medical procedure used to deliver substances directly into the bloodstream through a peripheral vein. Peripheral veins are the smaller, more superficial veins typically found in the hand, arm, leg, or foot. A healthcare provider inserts a small, hollow plastic tube, called a catheter, into the vein using a needle. Once the catheter is in place, the needle is removed, leaving the flexible tube inside the vein to provide vascular access for administering fluids, medications, or blood products.

This method is the most common form of vascular access in healthcare settings and is suitable for patients who require short-term treatments, such as rehydration, antibiotic administration, or pain relief. The entire process is performed under sterile conditions to minimize the risk of infection.

The Difference Between Peripheral and Central Infusion

Understanding the distinction between peripheral and central infusion is crucial. The primary difference lies in the size and location of the vein used, which in turn determines the duration and type of therapy that can be administered.

Peripheral Infusion

Location: The catheter is inserted into a small, peripheral vein, usually in the arm or hand.
Catheter Size: The catheter is short and small.
Duration: Used for short-term treatments, typically lasting only a few days.
Medication Type: Suitable for non-irritating medications and standard fluids that do not require high blood dilution.
Risks: Complications are generally less severe, including infiltration, phlebitis, and bleeding at the site.

Central Infusion

Location: A longer, larger catheter is inserted into a large, central vein in the neck, chest, or groin, ending near the heart.
Catheter Size: The catheter is longer and wider.
Duration: Can remain in place for weeks or months, ideal for long-term therapy.
Medication Type: Required for medications that can irritate smaller veins (like certain chemotherapy drugs), hypertonic solutions, and total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
Risks: Carries more serious risks, such as bloodstream infections, pneumothorax, and blood clots.

Comparison Table: Peripheral vs. Central Infusion


Feature	Peripheral Infusion	Central Infusion
Vessel Type	Small, peripheral vein (e.g., hand, arm)	Large, central vein (e.g., neck, chest)
Catheter Length	Short (a few centimeters)	Long (travels to a large central vein)
Insertion Site	Typically arm, hand, or foot	Neck, chest, groin, or upper arm (for PICC)
Duration of Use	Short-term (days)	Long-term (weeks to months)
Medication Suitability	Standard fluids, non-irritating meds	Concentrated, irritating meds, TPN
Risk of Infection	Lower risk of serious bloodstream infection	Higher risk of serious bloodstream infection
Placement Complexity	Simpler, bedside procedure	More complex, often requires ultrasound guidance

The Peripheral Infusion Procedure

For a patient, the peripheral infusion process is typically quick and straightforward. After the initial assessment by a healthcare professional, the following steps are generally taken:

Site Selection: The provider chooses a suitable vein, often in the arm or hand, examining it for visibility and health.
Preparation: The area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and a tourniquet may be applied to make the vein more prominent.
Insertion: The catheter is inserted into the vein using a needle. Patients may feel a small pinch or minor discomfort during this part.
Securing: The catheter is secured with tape and a sterile dressing, and the IV tubing is connected.

Common Reasons for Peripheral Infusion

Peripheral IVs are utilized for a variety of common medical needs, including:

Fluid and electrolyte replacement: Rehydrating patients who are dehydrated due to illness or surgery.
Medication administration: Delivering antibiotics, pain medication, or other drugs directly into the bloodstream for rapid effect.
Blood transfusions: Providing blood products to patients who need them.
Nutritional support: Administering supplements for patients unable to eat or drink sufficiently, though complex nutritional formulas may require a central line.
Emergency access: Establishing a quick route for administering life-saving medications in critical situations.

Risks and Potential Complications

While peripheral infusion is a very safe procedure, complications can occur. It is important to monitor the site and inform a healthcare provider if any issues arise. Common complications include:

Infiltration: When IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue. This can cause swelling, a cool sensation, and discomfort around the site.
Phlebitis: Inflammation of the vein, which can cause pain, redness, and swelling.
Hematoma: Bruising at the insertion site due to blood leaking into the surrounding tissue.
Infection: Though rare, infection can occur at the insertion site or enter the bloodstream.
Nerve injury: Can happen if the catheter is inserted too close to a nerve.

For more detailed information on intravenous therapy, a great resource is the official guidelines from the Infusion Nurses Society (INS).

What to Expect During and After

During the infusion, patients are typically seated or lying comfortably. A cool sensation as fluids enter the body is common, but significant pain or burning is not and should be reported immediately. The length of the infusion varies depending on the treatment. After the catheter is removed, a bandage is applied to the site, and patients are monitored for any signs of complications.

Conclusion

Peripheral infusion is a standard, low-risk medical procedure vital for administering short-term treatments effectively. By inserting a small catheter into a superficial vein, healthcare providers can deliver essential fluids, medications, and blood products directly into the bloodstream. While generally safe, awareness of the potential for complications like infiltration and phlebitis is important. The procedure offers a rapid and reliable method for improving patient care, making it a cornerstone of modern medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

A peripheral IV is a short catheter placed in a small vein in the arm or hand for short-term use, while a central line is a longer catheter inserted into a large central vein near the heart for long-term or high-volume infusions.

You may feel a brief pinch during the catheter insertion, but the infusion itself should not be painful. Any burning, stinging, or significant discomfort during the infusion should be reported immediately to a healthcare provider.

A peripheral IV is typically only used for a few days for short-term treatments. Hospitals often have protocols to replace the catheter every 72 to 96 hours to minimize complications, though this can vary.

Common complications include infiltration (fluid leaking into surrounding tissue), phlebitis (vein inflammation), hematoma (bruising), and, rarely, infection. Healthcare providers monitor for signs of these issues.

Patients may need a peripheral infusion for a variety of reasons, such as receiving fluids for dehydration, antibiotics for an infection, pain medication, or blood transfusions.

If you notice swelling, pain, redness, or a cool sensation around the IV site, you should immediately alert a nurse or healthcare provider. These are signs of infiltration or phlebitis that require prompt attention.

Peripheral IV placement is a common and fundamental skill for nurses and other healthcare professionals. Some facilities also use specialized IV therapy teams to improve success rates, especially for patients with difficult vein access.