Reviewed By Linda J. Vorvick MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant St…udies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.more »
Definition
Intravenous means "within a vein." It usually refers to giving medications or fluids (solutions) through a needle or tube inserted into a vein, which allows immediate access to the blood supply. For example, intravenous (IV) fluids.