How Can My MedSpa Safely Offer IV Treatments?

Some people hate needles, and they will do everything in their power to avoid them. Others will pay top dollar at med spas across the country to get stuck with one. 

IV hydration treatments are all the rage on social media. IV treatments at medical spas–often referred to as IV therapy or intravenous therapy–involve the administration of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous drip. This method allows for the immediate absorption of these nutrients, bypassing the digestive system and ensuring a higher bioavailability compared to oral supplements. Bioavailability refers to the ability of a drug or other substance to be absorbed and used by the body.

While this craze can be very lucrative for medspa owners, they need to consider certain risks in order to safely offer them. By considering these risks, your medspa can provide quality IV services while bringing in great business.

What Are Some Common Types of IV Treatments at Medical Spas:

Beauty Drips:

Formulated with nutrients that promote healthy skin, hair, and nails, often including vitamins like biotin and Vitamin C.

Hangover IV Drips:

Typically contains fluids, electrolytes, vitamins, and medications to alleviate symptoms of a hangover such as dehydration, headache, and nausea.

Hydration Therapy:

Used to quickly replenish fluids in the body, often with electrolytes, to combat dehydration.

Performance and Recovery IVs:

Tailored for athletes or those with high physical demands, these drips usually contain amino acids, electrolytes, and vitamins to enhance performance, reduce recovery time, and prevent muscle fatigue.

Vitamin C IV Therapy:

High doses of Vitamin C to boost the immune system, support skin health, and provide antioxidant benefits.

What are Some of the Benefits of IV Treatments?

• Customizable Treatments: These treatments can be fairly easily tailored to meet each individual’s health needs and goals.
• Immune Support: An individual’s immune system can be strengthened through these treatments, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of illnesses.
• Improved Wellness: IV treatments can enhance one’s overall health, energy levels, and mental clarity.
• Nutrient Boost: One can receive essential vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream, providing a quick and potent nutrient boost.
• Quick Rehydration: IV treatments can efficiently restore hydration levels. These are especially beneficial after intense physical activity, illness, or alcohol consumption.

What Can Go Wrong?

With all medical procedures, there is always risk involved. Typically, IV treatments are incredibly safe. However, there are possible side effects. Here are the most common ones.

Allergic Reactions

Patients may have allergic reactions to the substances being infused, ranging from mild to severe (anaphylaxis). Pre-treatment screening for allergies and having emergency medications on hand are crucial.

Air Embolism

If air enters the IV line and subsequently the bloodstream, it can cause an air embolism, which is potentially life-threatening. Proper training and vigilance during the IV setup can minimize this risk.

Circulatory Overload

Administering fluids too quickly or in too large quantities can overwhelm the circulatory system, causing pulmonary edema or heart failure. Careful monitoring of fluid volume and infusion rates is important.

Electrolyte Imbalance

IV fluids containing electrolytes can cause imbalances if not administered correctly, leading to complications such as hyperkalemia or hyponatremia. Proper formulation and dosing based on individual patient needs are necessary.

Infection

Any breach of the skin barrier, such as inserting an IV, can introduce bacteria or other pathogens, leading to infections at the injection site or systemically (sepsis). Proper sterilization techniques and a clean environment can reduce this risk.

Phlebitis and Thrombophlebitis

Inflammation of the vein (phlebitis) or inflammation with clot formation (thrombophlebitis) can occur due to irritation from the IV catheter or the substances being administered. Using the correct catheter size and ensuring the IV solution is compatible with the veins can help prevent these conditions.

Venous Thrombosis

Formation of blood clots in the vein can occur, potentially leading to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism. Ensuring proper catheter placement and monitoring can help prevent this risk.

Protect Yourself and Your Clients: Ensure Everything is Sterile

Sterility is a crucial aspect of IV treatments at medical spas to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the therapy. Using sterile equipment and techniques is vital to avoid introducing bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens into the bloodstream, which could lead to serious infections. Sterile conditions help prevent complications such as sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition resulting from infection. Ensuring sterility preserves the integrity of the vitamins, minerals, and other substances being administered, guaranteeing that the patient receives the full therapeutic benefits without contamination.

How To Ensure Sterility

Aseptic Technique:

Practitioners should use aseptic techniques, which include methods to keep equipment and work areas free of microorganisms, during the preparation and administration of IV treatments.

Clean Environment:

The treatment area should be clean and free of contaminants. Surfaces should be regularly disinfected, and the environment should be controlled to minimize the risk of airborne contamination.

Patient Skin Preparation:

Before inserting the IV catheter, the patient’s skin should be cleaned with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection.

Proper Disposal of Used Equipment:

All used needles, catheters, and other disposable items should be disposed of in proper sharps containers to prevent accidental needle sticks and contamination.

Proper Hand Hygiene:

Healthcare professionals must practice thorough hand washing and use gloves when handling IV equipment and administering treatments.

Sterile Preparation of Solutions:

IV solutions should be prepared in sterile conditions, often in a designated clean room or using a laminar flow hood to protect against contamination.

Use Sterile Equipment:

All IV bags, needles, catheters, and other medical supplies must be sterile and single-use to prevent cross-contamination.

Contact a MedSpa Attorney Today

Whether you are just thinking of opening a medspa, considering adding IV treatments, or have been offering IV treatments, consulting with a medspa attorney is always a great idea. They will help ensure compliance and keep your business running smoothly.