What Is The Difference Between An Infiltration And Extravasation?

An infiltration is defined as the inadvertent infusion of a medication or solution into the surrounding tissue rather than into the intended vascular system. Unless a large volume is infused into the tissue, an infiltration usually resolves relatively quickly without major sequelae. Extravasation, however, can result in catastrophic injury, ranging from local irritation to amputation. Extravasation is the inadvertent infusion of a vesicant into the tissue rather than into the intended vascular system. A vesicant is any drug that has the potential to cause tissue necrosis, sloughing, blistering, phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, and pain. Many equate extravasation with cytotoxic agents (anti-cancer drugs) and there are a number of such medications that are vesicants. However, there are also many non-cytotoxic medications and solutions, administered every day in numerous healthcare settings, that are also vesicants. Characteristics that increase the likelihood that a medication or solution is a vesicant include high osmolarity and extreme pH (generally below 5 or above 9). However, there are also vesicants that do not exhibit any of these characteristics. Given the potential severity of extravasation injury from these agents, the healthcare professional administering these medications and solutions must be knowledgeable about which agents are vesicants, the precautions necessary to minimize the risk of extravasation, how to quickly recognize an untoward event, and the interventions to be taken in the case of an extravasation to minimize resultant damage.

Reference Prevention and Management of Intravenous Extravasation Online Continuing Education Course