Infiltration is similar to extravasation in that leakage of fluid from a vein occurs into body tissue, but crucially the infiltrating fluid does not cause blistering or necrosis of the tissue.
Since the infiltrating fluid is not a vesicant, complications are therefore less serious. While infiltrations can sometimes lead to serious complications, they result more commonly in minor self-healing complications.
Infiltration is one of the most common problems with IV fluid administration occurring in 7% to 40.5% of patients.
Infiltration can happen when:
- The tip of the catheter is dislodged
- The catheter is misplaced or passes through the wall of the vein
Although 25% of cases of infiltrations are serious enough for referral to a specialist, none have been considered as surgical emergencies.
The majority of infiltration injuries can be monitored and managed by doctors and nurses in primary care.
Infiltrations can be problematic when they occur:
- During an anaesthetic procedure, because large volumes of fluid can be infused before it is detected.
- In patients who are unable to communicate as they cannot report the pain or swelling sensation
