An IV drip is also sometimes known as a IV cannula, intravenous cannula, needle or intravenous fluids or IV. It is a short, small plastic tube that is put into your child’s vein using a needle. The plastic tube is then left in so that fluids and medicines can be given directly into the blood via the vein. It can also sometimes be used to take blood samples as well.
A tourniquet (elastic belt) is put around your child’s arm or leg. Your child will need to be held still while a small needle is put into a vein. Once the needle is in the vein, the ‘steel’ part of the needle is removed and a plastic tube is left in the vein. The plastic tube will be held in place with tape and bandages and a padded board placed to keep the closest joint still.
