Infiltration vs. Extravasation — What's the Difference?

Unintended dispersal of non-vesicant solutions.

Accidental leakage of vesicant drugs causing severe damage.

Leakage of fluid into tissue around an IV site.

Indicated by pain, blistering, and severe swelling.

Causes swelling and discomfort, typically non-severe.

Can result in tissue necrosis and functional loss.

Common complication of peripheral IV therapy.

Often involves high-risk medications.

Managed with conservative treatments.

Requires aggressive medical intervention.

The act or process of infiltrating.

Extravasation is the leakage of a fluid out of its container into the surrounding area, especially blood or blood cells from vessels. In the case of inflammation, it refers to the movement of white blood cells from the capillaries to the tissues surrounding them (leukocyte extravasation, also known as diapedesis).

The state of being infiltrated.

(Medicine) To force the flow of (blood or lymph) from a vessel out into surrounding tissue.

Something that infiltrates.

(Geology) To cause (molten lava) to pour forth from a volcanic vent.

The act or process of infiltrating, as of water into a porous substance, or of a fluid into the cells of an organ or part of the body.

(Medicine) To exude from a vessel into surrounding tissue.

Process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil.

(Geology) To erupt.

The substance which has entered the pores or cavities of a body.

The exudation of blood, lymph or urine from a vessel into the tissues.

The act of secretly entering a physical location and/or organization.

The eruption of molten lava from a volcanic vent.

The act or process of infiltrating, as of water into a porous substance, of a fluid into the cells of an organ or part of the body, or of persons into a hostile organization.

The act of forcing or letting out of its proper vessels or ducts, as a fluid; effusion; as, an extravasation of blood after a rupture of the vessels.

The substance which has entered the pores or cavities of a body.

The issue of lava and other volcanic products from the earth.

A process in which individuals (or small groups) penetrate an area (especially the military penetration of enemy positions without detection)

An extravasated liquid (blood or lymph or urine); the product of extravasation

The slow passage of a liquid through a filtering medium;

(of volcanos) pouring out fumes or lava (or a deposit so formed)

The process of exuding or passing out of a vessel into surrounding tissues; said or blood or lymph or urine

Infiltration is the unintentional leakage of non-vesicant fluids into the tissue surrounding an IV catheter.

Infiltration can be detected by observing swelling, coolness, and pallor at the IV infusion site.

Extravasation occurs when vesicant fluids unintentionally leak into surrounding tissue, causing potential severe damage.

Infiltration is managed by removing the IV line and applying appropriate thermal compresses.

To avoid extravasation, use central lines for administering vesicants and monitor the infusion carefully.

The risks associated with infiltration are generally mild and include discomfort and swelling.

Preventing infiltration involves proper catheter insertion, securement, and regular monitoring of the infusion site.

Extravasation is more dangerous because it involves vesicant drugs that can cause significant chemical damage to tissues.

Follow-up after infiltration may be necessary if symptoms persist or worsen, indicating possible complications.

Signs of extravasation include severe pain, erythema, blistering, and the hardening of tissue around the infusion site.

The consequences of extravasation can be severe, including long-term tissue damage, necrosis, and loss of limb function.

Treatments for extravasation may include the administration of antidotes, surgical intervention, and consulting plastic surgery in severe cases.

Yes, certain medications, particularly chemotherapeutic agents and some antibiotics, are more likely to cause extravasation.

Extravasation often requires extensive follow-up including possible imaging studies, surgical evaluation, and long-term monitoring.

While usually not severe, untreated infiltration can occasionally lead to complications like infection or tissue damage.