Infuusplaats

Infuusplaats is a medical term referring to the site on a patient’s body where intravenous fluid therapy is initiated and administered. In most short-term treatments, the infuusplaats is a peripheral venous access point, such as a cannula placed in a vein of the hand, forearm, or sometimes the foot. For longer-term treatment or when higher infusion rates or specific drugs are required, central venous access devices may be used, including peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC lines), tunneled or non-tunneled central venous catheters, and implanted ports.

Care and management of the infuusplaats focus on safety and patency. Insertion is performed by trained healthcare professionals using aseptic technique. The site is regularly inspected for signs of complications, such as pain, redness, swelling, warmth, discharge, or fever. Dressings are kept clean and dry, and tubing and connections are secured to prevent dislodgement. Fluids and medications are administered according to protocol, and the site may be flushed periodically to maintain catheter patency. If problems arise or a vein becomes unsuitable, a new infuusplaats may be selected.

Risks associated with an infuusplaats include infiltration, phlebitis, infection at the insertion site, catheter-related thrombosis, occlusion of the line, and, in rare cases, air embolism. Proper technique, vigilant monitoring, and prompt management of any complications reduce these risks. The choice of infuusplaats depends on treatment duration, the type of infusion, patient anatomy, and the overall clinical context, and may vary between hospital, clinic, or home-care settings.