Intravenous fluid sites

Intravenous (IV) lines are often placed into a vein in the hand, foot, or scalp of babies who are too sick to get all of their feedings and fluids by mouth. The belly button also has a large vessel that may be used for intravenous fluids. Sometimes a large IV called a central line or PICC line is placed by sterile technique or by surgery to provide long-term, highly concentrated intravenous fluid.

Review Date: 06/18/2011
Reviewed By: Kimberly G Lee, MD, MSc, IBCLC, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.