Intravenous (IV) is simply defined as pertaining to something inside a vein. It is a term commonly used to refer to intravenous therapy, which is the introduction of a liquid substance into the body via a vein. This is typically performed using a needle or tube.
Intravenous is a common method for introducing medicine or fluids to the body. It is also used to supply blood when a patient has lost blood due to trauma or injury. While intravenous therapy is commonly called an IV and most commonly associated with hospital settings, injections directly into the blood veins also fall under intravenous. This is a common method for abusing drugs, and quickly delivers the illicit substance into the bloodstream so that addicts feel effects quicker. Intravenous drug use is also some of the most dangerous and can easily lead to accidental overdoses and fatalities. In addition, sharing of needles used for the intravenous drug delivery can also spread disease directly into the blood system.
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