What Is Infusion Therapy?
Infusion therapy is a way to receive medications that cannot be taken orally. These medications are taken by injection, either through a catheter or needle, that is inserted into your vein or just under your skin on your arm or chest. The location where the needle is inserted is referred to as the infusion site.
What Types of Conditions Are Treated With Infusion Therapy?
Infusion therapy is used for a variety of conditions including:
- Autoimmune and immune disorders
- Blood disorders
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Microbial infections
What Types of Infusion Therapy Does MemorialCare Offer?
- Anti-Infective Therapy (Antifungal, Antiviral)
- Autoimmune Diseases Drug Treatment
- Biphosphonate administration
- Blood transfusions
- Chemotherapy
- Cortisol-stimulation time tests
- Enzyme Replacement Therapy
- ESAs-Procrit/Aranesp
- Heart Disease Medication
- Hemophilia Factor Products
- Hydration therapy
- Immunoglobulin Therapy (IVIG)
- Immunotherapy
- Intravenous antibiotic therapy
- Iron and electrolyte infusions
- Pain Management
- Phlebotomy
- Remicade
- Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
- Tysabri
- Xolair
Infusion Services at MemorialCare
Designed to foster health and wellness, our Infusion Centers are equipped with recliners, light snacks, beverages, and other amenities such as pillows and warm blankets to make for a private, safe and comfortable area. Under the direct supervision of our qualified nursing staff, we see several patients at one time and offer flexible options for appointments throughout the day. We provide a full range of infusion therapies and services. Our experienced clinical team including chemotherapy-certified nurses, pharmacists and physicians, provide compassionate care in the coordination of your infusion therapy needs.
Most treatment requires blood tests to be completed 2 to 3 days prior to your scheduled appointment. If you are not sure if you need a blood test or have any issues getting your blood drawn prior to your appointment, please contact the Infusion Center. You should also continue to take your prescribed medications as scheduled and ordered by your providers.
Please arrive no more than 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. If you are running late or would like to schedule an earlier appointment, please contact the Infusion Center.
What To Bring To Your Infusion Appointment:
- Prescribed medications
- Snacks and drinks
- Lunch, if you have a longer appointment
- A warm blanket
- A small pillow
- An activity, such as a journal, book, handheld game, puzzle or electronic device
- Lip balm
What To Wear To Your Infusion
- Comfortable clothes that are easy for the medical team to access your port site or place an IV catheter
- Comfortable and cozy socks
- Closed-toed shoes