The Ultimate Guide to IV Drips
What to Expect From an IV Drip
An IV drip is a safe way to put vitamins and minerals directly into your body. The nutrients flow into your body through a tiny tube known as a cannula. This article explains how it works and what to expect.
Your First Meeting
Your first session is held with a qualified phlebotomist or nurse. The therapist knows how to insert IVs safely. The therapist will ask about your health and a consultation form will need to be completed. They will then take notes on the reasons behind why you feel you need an IV and the results you expect. They will also check your blood pressure, pulse, oxygen levels and temperature. The therapist will take down all your information to keep a record of your visit.
Cleanliness and Hygiene
Our staff all use gloves when touching customers arms, the offices and rooms are cleaned and sanitised twice daily to ensure the environment is kept sterile. There are separate washroom facilities for nurses and customers with alcohol hand sanitisers in all rooms. Our staff must wash hands before being in contact with customers and our policies require the phlebotomists and nurses to maintain the highest level of personal hygiene.
Getting Ready
The therapist will sit you down in a comfortable position and support the arm you prefer to have the cannula inserted in. It’s usually inserted in your arm near your elbow. In some cases they can also use the back of your hand. The therapist cleans your skin with an alcohol swab. This cleans the area and prevents infection. While you wait, the therapist will get all the equipment ready.
Inserting the IV Cannula
The therapist uses a small needle with a tiny plastic tube around it. This is called the cannula. You only feel a slight pinch as the needle goes in. The tiny plastic tube slides off the needle and into your vein. After that, the needle is removed. The therapist then tapes down the tube to keep it stable.
Setting Up the Drip
Next, the therapist ensures the cannula is in the vein and has a good flow. Saline fluid will be pushed through the canula slowly to ensure the IV will work well. The cannula then connects to a longer tube. The longer tube extends up to the IV bag filled with vitamins and fluid. The bag hangs on a metal pole. Sometimes a pump is used. This is a machine that controls how fast the fluid goes into your vein. The pump ensures you get the right amount of vitamins over a specified time. The pump features a screen that shows how much fluid has entered your bloodstream and how much fluid is left.
During the Treatment
The fluid in the bag slowly drips into your vein. The process is never hurried but done at the correct speed to ensure safety and maximum effectiveness. This takes 30 to 40 minutes. During that time you can relax. Read, use your phone, or watch TV. The therapist checks back often to make sure everything is working properly, and you are comfortable. We have comfortable chairs in our clinic that make it easy to relax.
The therapist examines the spot where the tube entered your skin. He or she will make sure the area is not red or swollen. They check how fast the fluid is dripping and may ask if you feel ok. The technician also monitors your blood pressure and pulse. If anything doesn’t look right, they will notice and correct it right away.
What's in the IV Bag
The IV fluid in the bag is mostly water. The water is mixed with selected vitamins and minerals. These are vitamins and minerals that will be quickly absorbed into your body. Your body is quickly getting what it needs to revitalise.
The drip often has vitamin C to boost your immunity. There may also be B vitamins for more energy. There is usually magnesium to help muscles and nerves work better. Magnesium is that special element necessary for the body to repair itself.
The bag may also have zinc, calcium, and other minerals your body needs. They go directly into your blood right away. Your body begins to use them immediately.
It’s very different to swallowing pills. They first go through your stomach. Some of the nutrients in tablet form are lost through the digestive system while a drip lets you get a far higher instant absorbency.
Finishing Up
The therapist will be with you as the bag is finishing up. Once the bag is empty, the therapist will clean the area again and gently remove the plastic tube. They put pressure on the spot with a cotton ball for a minute to stop any bleeding. Then they apply a small piece of tape around the cotton and check one last time to make sure you’re feeling normal, your blood pressure will be checked one final time. At that point, the session is complete and you’re good to go.
After The Treatment
The entire treatment process usually takes about an hour from start to finish. There is no need to take it easy or go home and lie down. You can return to work, play, and normal activities.
Many people say they feel more energetic right away. Their body is stocked up with the right vitamins, minerals, and hydration. Some men and women notice their skin looks better and they sleep better at night.
The spot where the IV cannula was inserted might be a little sore. This usually goes away in a day. You may see a small dot where the needle went it. This usually disappears quickly.
Safety First
Getting an IV drip is quite safe when done by a trained therapist. Our practitioners have received extensive training and have completed hundreds of sessions. We order most of our products from Brauns Introcan range . The system is carefully checked for each use. And therapists are trained to handle any problem that may occur.
Feel free to drink water as usual after your session. This helps your body heal, rejuvenate, and recover completely. An IV drip can be one of the most refreshing experiences available. Now you know exactly what to expect if you decide to try one.