Infusion in Melbourne: what patients need to know
If your doctor has suggested you may need a medical infusion, it is natural to have questions. This guide explains what infusion therapy is, who might be referred for it, and what to expect. It is general information for patients and carers, not a substitute for advice from your own doctor.
Medical infusion means giving medicine, fluids or nutrients directly into a vein through a small tube called a cannula. People are referred for many different reasons, and an iron infusion is one common example. At Adeney Private Hospital in Kew, Melbourne, infusions are provided in a calm, supervised day setting by experienced clinical staff.
Key takeaways
- Most treatments require a referral from your GP or specialist.
- Appointment times vary depending on the treatment.
- Depending upon the type of infusion, you may need to allow several hours at the hospital.
- Follow the preparation instructions provided by your doctor or the hospital.
What is medical infusion therapy?
Medical infusion therapy is a way of delivering treatment straight into your bloodstream. A thin, flexible tube is placed into a vein, usually in your arm or the back of your hand, and the medicine or fluid flows in slowly over a set period. Some treatments are given by infusion when oral treatment is not suitable, effective or well absorbed. Whether an infusion is more suitable than a tablet depends on the medicine and your clinical circumstances.
Infusions are used across many areas of medicine, and the time they take varies with the treatment. Many are given in a dedicated day infusion setting, where you rest in a comfortable chair or bed.
At Adeney Private Hospital, in Kew, the Medical Infusion Centre provides a range of medical infusion services. Depending on your doctor’s recommendation, these can include iron infusions, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, blood or blood product transfusions, biological therapies, intravesical BCG and targeted therapies. We also provide port-a-cath and PICC line management, and venesection.
This article focuses mainly on iron infusions, as they are one of the more common reasons patients are referred to an infusion centre in Melbourne.
Medical infusion versus iron infusion: what is the difference?
It helps to think of medical infusion as the broad category and iron infusions as one specific type within it. A medical infusion is any treatment given into a vein through a drip, and an iron infusion is one where the medicine being delivered is iron.
So every iron infusion is a medical infusion, but not every medical infusion is an iron infusion. If your doctor has spoken to you about an iron infusion specifically, it may mean they have identified low iron levels or another clinical reason for considering intravenous iron. Your doctor will explain why this option has been chosen for you.
Why might a patient be referred for an infusion?
A doctor might recommend an infusion for many reasons, always based on your individual circumstances.
For iron in particular, a doctor may consider an infusion when your iron levels are low, a condition often called iron deficiency. An infusion may also be considered when tablets are not effective enough, are not well tolerated, or when iron needs to be corrected more promptly. Low iron can happen for many reasons, and finding the cause is part of your doctor’s assessment.
Eligibility and the choice of treatment depend on your doctor and your individual clinical situation.
What does an iron infusion involve?
An iron infusion delivers iron directly into a vein to help restore your body’s iron stores. Iron is needed to make haemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. When stores are low, some people feel tired, short of breath or run down, although symptoms vary from person to person.
During the appointment, a nurse inserts a cannula and connects it to a bag containing the iron preparation. The iron is given slowly, and staff watch how you respond. Some iron infusions are completed in a single visit, while other treatment plans involve more than one appointment. Your doctor decides the dose and schedule based on your blood tests and your needs.
An iron infusion typically takes around 1.5 hours from start to finish, including preparation, the infusion itself and monitoring afterwards, unless there is an adverse reaction. The hospital can advise what to expect.
Referral and medical assessment
Most infusions require a referral from a doctor, usually your general practitioner (GP) or a specialist. Your doctor can refer you using Adeney’s medical infusion referral form, which confirms that the treatment has been recommended and provides the clinical details the hospital needs. GPs and referrers can find further detail in Adeney’s GP referrer information on our website.
Before your infusion, you will have a medical assessment. This may include reviewing your blood tests, your medical history, your current medicines and any allergies. The purpose is to confirm the treatment is appropriate for you and to plan it safely.
Requirements can differ, so confirm the specific referral and assessment steps with your doctor or Adeney Private Hospital.
Have you been referred for an infusion? Adeney Private Hospital’s Medical Infusion Centre in Kew provides treatment in a dedicated day setting. If you have questions about your referral, preparation or appointment, speak with your referring doctor or contact the Medical Infusion Centre on 03 7049 5300.
How to prepare for your appointment
When having an iron infusion, you can eat and drink normally, but always follow the specific instructions provided by your doctor or hospital. Being well hydrated beforehand is often a good idea. Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up easily, so the nurse can reach your arm.
If you take oral iron supplements, follow the instructions provided by your doctor or Adeney Private Hospital. Adeney’s current iron infusion guidance asks patients to stop oral iron supplements at least 24 hours before the infusion.
You may like to bring something to pass the time. You can also read Adeney’s information on preparing for your hospital admission and stay.
If you take other regular medicines, ask your doctor whether to continue them as usual on the day. Let the staff know in advance if you have had a reaction to an infusion in the past, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have any other concerns. Adeney Private Hospital does not give iron infusions during pregnancy.
What happens during the infusion?
When you arrive, staff will check your details and confirm your treatment, and a nurse will check your blood pressure, pulse and temperature.
The nurse inserts a cannula into a vein, most often in your arm or the back of your hand. You may feel a brief sting as it goes in. The infusion is connected and started slowly, and nurses monitor you throughout.
Most people rest, read or use a phone while the infusion runs. If you feel unwell or notice anything unusual at any point, tell the staff straight away so they can respond. When the infusion is finished, the cannula is removed and a small dressing is applied. Depending on the treatment and the hospital’s protocol, you may be observed for a period afterwards before you go home.
Possible side effects and when to seek medical advice
As with any medical treatment, an infusion can have side effects, and these depend on the medicine being given. With some infusions, including intravenous iron, possible mild effects can include headache, dizziness, flushing, nausea, muscle or joint discomfort, or a metallic taste. Most people have no significant problems, though it can help to know what to expect. Some people may experience tenderness, or swelling around the infusion site, and staff will check for changes in your blood pressure, temperature or pulse during treatment.
With iron infusions specifically, staining of the skin at the injection site can occur in a small number of cases, and staff take care to reduce this risk. Reactions during or after an infusion are uncommon but possible, which is one reason you are monitored while it is given.
Seek medical advice promptly if you develop symptoms that concern you after you get home, such as a rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, chest pain, a high temperature, or worsening pain or swelling at the infusion site. In an emergency, call 000. Your treating team will tell you what to look out for and who to contact.
What to expect after treatment
Many people are able to return to their usual activities soon after an infusion, though some feel tired or off-colour for a day or two. Take things gently and keep the infusion site clean and dry as advised.
The benefits of an infusion are not always immediate. With an iron infusion, it can take some time for your body to use the iron before you notice any improvement in symptoms. Your doctor may arrange follow-up blood tests after your iron infusion to assess your response. The timing will depend on your treatment and clinical circumstances.
Some intravenous iron preparations can cause low phosphate levels in the blood. If you notice persistent unusual tiredness, muscle weakness or bone pain in the days or weeks afterwards, mention this to your doctor so it can be checked. If you have any other questions once you are home, contact your doctor or the hospital.
Costs, private health insurance and out-of-pocket questions
The cost of an infusion depends on several things, including the type of treatment, your private health insurance and level of cover, and any out-of-pocket amounts that may apply. Because these arrangements vary, check the details that apply to you before your appointment.
Helpful questions to ask include what the treatment will cost, what your private health insurance covers, whether Medicare applies, and any out-of-pocket expense. For accurate information about fees and cover, contact Adeney Private Hospital directly.
Frequently asked questions
You can also read Adeney Private Hospital’s frequently asked questions for more general information.
What is a medical infusion?
A medical infusion is a treatment given directly into a vein through a small tube, allowing medicine, fluids or nutrients to enter the bloodstream slowly and under supervision. An iron infusion is one common type.
How long does an infusion take?
It depends on the treatment. Some infusions take around 20 to 30 minutes, while others take a few hours. Your doctor or the hospital can tell you roughly how long your appointment is likely to last.
Do I need a referral for an infusion in Melbourne?
Most infusions require a referral from your GP or specialist. The referral confirms the treatment and provides the clinical details the hospital needs. Check with your doctor or Adeney Private Hospital about the referral you need.
How do I book an iron infusion in Melbourne?
If your doctor has recommended an iron infusion, they must provide the clinical information required for referral. Once the referral has been received and reviewed, Adeney Private Hospital can advise you about the next steps for your appointment.
Is an iron infusion painful?
You may feel a brief sting when the cannula is inserted, and some people notice mild sensations during the infusion. Discomfort is usually minor, but everyone is different. Tell the staff if anything feels uncomfortable so they can help.
Can I drive home after an infusion?
Many people can drive home after an infusion, but this depends on the treatment and how you feel. If you feel unwell or lightheaded, arrange for someone to drive you. Ask your treating team what they recommend for your situation.
What should I bring to a medical infusion appointment?
Staff will confirm your Medicare number and private health insurance details and current medication list, so please have access to this information when you arrive. Adeney Private Hospital can confirm what is required for your treatment.
Contact Adeney Private Hospital
If you have been referred for an infusion, or would like to know more about treatment at Adeney Private Hospital in Kew, the Medical Infusion Centre can help with questions about appointments, referrals or preparation. The Adeney Medical Infusion Centre operates Monday to Friday, and you can call the hospital on 03 7049 5000 or contact the Medical Infusion Centre directly on 03 7049 5300. Please remember that decisions about your care, including whether an infusion is suitable for you, are made together with your treating doctor.
