Intraosseous Route as Alternative Access for Infusion Therapy

Abstract

The safe and effective use of intraosseous (IO) access is evolving from its historical use only for emergent access for pediatric patients to use in adult trauma patients and, more recently, for adult inpatients. Current data and research support the use of IO route for infusion in patients of any age as a safe, rapid, and equally effective alternative to intravenous access. The article provides an overview of IO access indications, care, and management; describes therapies administered via IO access; and discusses the expanding use of IO access into areas within hospitals during nonemergent clinical situations.

In Brief

The safe and effective use of intraosseous (IO) access is evolving from its historical use only for emergent access for pediatric patients to use in adult trauma patients and, more recently, for adult inpatients. Current data and research support the use of IO route for infusion in patients of any age as a safe, rapid, and equally effective alternative to intravenous access. The article provides an overview of IO access indications, care, and management; describes therapies administered via IO access; and discusses the expanding use of IO access into areas within hospitals during nonemergent clinical situations.