Infuus

Infuus is a term used in Dutch writing that is most commonly associated with the idea of infusion, but its most precise standard forms in Dutch are infuus for an intravenous drip and infusie for the process of infusion. As a result, infuus is the correct spelling in medical contexts, while infusie refers to the general act of steeping a substance in liquid to extract flavors or active compounds. The form infuüs or infuus without the second u is often encountered as a misspelling in non-specialist texts.

In medical usage, infuus refers specifically to an intravenous infusion, a method of delivering fluids, medications, or nutrients directly into a vein. This involves components such as a fluid container (bag or bottle), an IV line, a catheter or cannula, a drip chamber, and often an infusion pump to regulate flow rate. Indications include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, administration of medications that must be given slowly, and nutrition support. Risks include infection at the insertion site, phlebitis, infiltration into surrounding tissue, and air embolism, all of which require proper technique and monitoring by healthcare professionals.

In non-medical usage, infusion describes the extraction of flavors or active compounds by steeping plant material in hot or cold liquid. Culinary examples include herbal teas and spice infusions, while in botany or chemistry the term can apply to extracting constituents from materials for research or production. The duration and temperature of infusion influence the strength and character of the resulting liquid.

Overall, infuus is primarily encountered as a misspelling of infuus in medical Dutch, with infusie denoting the general concept of infusion. See also infuus, infusion, and intravenous therapy.