Our Safety Protocol: How We Keep IV Therapy Safe

Is IV therapy safe in Khao Lak? For most healthy adults, an IV drip given by a trained nurse with clean equipment is a low-risk procedure, but it is still a medical procedure and it is not right for everyone. This page explains, step by step, how we keep every visit as safe as we can, and when we will say no. We would rather lose a booking than give a drip that is not right for you.

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Our safety promises

Every drip is given by a registered nurse
A health screening before every drip, for every guest
Sterile, single-use equipment, every time
The nurse stays with you for the whole drip
Honest advice, including telling you when a doctor is the better choice

Licensed nurse IV therapy: who comes to you

Every drip we give is placed and monitored by a registered nurse. Putting in a cannula, choosing the right drip rate and spotting early signs that something is not right all take training and experience, so we never hand this job to anyone else.

If you would like to know more about the nurse who will visit you, please ask when you book. You are always welcome to ask the nurse about their training when they arrive.

Step 1: health screening before every drip

Before anything starts, the nurse sits down with you and asks some questions. This takes a few minutes and it matters. It is the main way we check that a drip is suitable for you on that day.

The nurse will usually ask about:

your general health and any long-term conditions, especially heart or kidney problems
any medicines or supplements you take
allergies, including to medicines or plasters
whether you are or might be pregnant, or are breastfeeding
how you are feeling right now and what has led to you wanting a drip

Please answer as fully as you can. Everything you tell the nurse is kept private and is only used to keep you safe.

Step 2: sterile, single-use equipment

Cannulas, giving sets, needles and swabs are sterile and used once only, then disposed of. Nothing that touches your vein is ever reused. The nurse cleans their hands and your skin before the cannula goes in, and keeps the drip site clean throughout.

Step 3: the nurse stays with you throughout

Once the drip is running, the nurse does not leave. They watch the drip rate, check the site and keep an eye on how you feel. If you feel unwell at any point, tell the nurse straight away. They can slow or stop the drip.

When the drip is finished, the nurse removes the cannula, applies a small dressing and gives you simple aftercare advice before they go.

Possible side effects

Like any procedure that involves a needle, an IV drip carries some risks. Most are minor, but you should know about them before you book:

bruising, soreness or slight swelling where the cannula went in
feeling light-headed or faint, especially if you dislike needles
a cool feeling in the arm while the fluid runs
rarely, infection at the drip site or an allergic reaction to an ingredient

After the nurse has left, contact us if the drip site becomes red, hot, more painful or swollen over the next day or two. If you have a high temperature, feel very unwell, or have any sign of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing, do not wait: see a doctor, or call 1669 in an emergency.

Who shouldn’t have an IV drip

An IV drip may not be suitable, or may need a doctor’s approval first, if you:

are pregnant or breastfeeding
have a heart condition or heart failure
have kidney disease or problems with fluid balance
take regular medication, including blood thinners or blood pressure medicines
have a known allergy to any ingredient in the drip
are under 18 (please ask us before booking)

If any of these apply, tell us when you book. The nurse will discuss it with you, and may advise you to see a doctor before having a drip.

When to see a doctor instead

An IV drip is not a replacement for medical care. Please see a doctor or go to hospital, rather than booking a drip, if you have:

chest pain, difficulty breathing or a racing heart
confusion, fainting or severe drowsiness
vomiting that will not stop, or blood in vomit or stools
a high fever, a severe headache or a stiff neck
any symptoms after scuba diving, such as joint pain, numbness, tingling or unusual tiredness

In an emergency in Thailand, call 1669 for an ambulance, or go straight to the nearest hospital. Do not wait for a drip.

FAQs

Is IV drip safety different at a hotel than in a clinic?

The same basic standards apply: a registered nurse, a health screening, sterile single-use equipment and close monitoring. The main difference is that a hotel room is not a hospital, which is why we screen carefully and send you to a doctor when that is the safer option.

Can the nurse refuse to give me a drip?

Yes. If the screening suggests a drip could be unsafe for you, the nurse will not go ahead. They will explain why and suggest what to do next.

What happens if I feel unwell during the drip?

Tell the nurse straight away. They will stop or slow the drip and check you over. If the nurse thinks you need more help than they can give, they will help you get medical care, including calling 1669 if it is an emergency.

Book with confidence

If you have questions about safety, ask us before you book. We are happy to explain anything. When you are ready, browse our full IV drip menu in Khao Lak or book a nurse visit to your room.