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Peripheral intravenous line

Peripheral intravenous line

Overview

A peripheral intravenous line is a small, short plastic catheter that is placed through the skin into a vein, usually in the hand, elbow, or foot, but occasionally in the scalp. A peripheral intravenous line is used to give fluids and medications to your baby.

Review Date 11/9/2021

Updated by: Kimberly G. Lee, MD, MSc, IBCLC, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.