Venous access is necessary for fluid administration, medication administration, and obtaining blood for chemical analysis. Sites for access include veins located in the peripheral arms or legs, scalp, neck, and bone.

Venous Access Catheters

In this outpatient procedure, a small plastic catheter is inserted into a vein either in the arm, chest, or neck. This type of catheter is often used for people who require long-term antibiotics, chemotherapy, intravenous nutrition or hemodialysis. Some of these catheters may be tunneled underneath the skin allowing the catheter to stay in place for months.

Peripheral venous access is required for the administration of fluids and/or drugs. Central Venous access is required for parenteral nutrition, monitoring central venous pressure, cardiac pacing, and difficulty gaining peripheral access.

Venous access is usually gained from the Internal jugular vein or the subclavian vein.