Venous access

Venous access is any kind of way to access the bloodstream through the veins, either to administer intravenous therapy (medication, fluid), parenteral nutrition, to obtain blood for analysis, or of blood-based treatments such as dialysis or apheresis. Central venous catheters (CVCs) may also be used to measure the central venous pressure.

The most common form of venous access is a peripheral venous cannula which is generally inserted in the hands or forearms. CVCs are required in some situations (e.g. particular drugs), and other devices are needed for dialysis and apheresis.