Infusion Center

Our infusion center is designed to provide children and young adults who require one-time or ongoing intravenous therapy for a variety of acute and chronic conditions.

Specialties we serve

Hematology and Oncology
Nephrology and Dialysis
Rheumatology
Genetics
Neurology
Cardiology
Endocrinology and Diabetes
Gastroenterology
Pulmonology

Treatments

Blood products
Chemotherapy
Albumin/Lasix
Antibodies
Remicade
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)

Each patient is closely monitored by a specialty trained pediatric registered nurse.

What to expect

After checking in, a medical assistant will document your child’s vitals, height and weight. An infusion nurse will be assigned to your child and they will have a designated chair to sit in during treatment.

You’re welcome to bring in outside food and/or drinks, and your child is encouraged to bring a comforting item to the appointment, such as a stuffed animal or toy. If you need one, we have blankets and pillows available. Due to limited space, we ask that you make child care arrangements for other children/siblings.

Infusion Center guidelines

For families

Infusions are planned for 8 hours or less.
Patients who may be contagious are not permitted to use the Infusion Center due to the immunocompromised status of many of the patients, including cystic fibrosis patients.
An emergency medication plan must be in place for all high-risk patients.
Each patient is allowed a visitor/attendant/caregiver or family member. The charge nurse will review any special circumstances.
Only Cook Children’s approved therapy dogs are allowed within the Cook Children’s Infusion Center.

For physicians

All patients with acute illness will be assessed upon arrival to their appointment. Their provider will be called immediately to address their status and the infusion will be placed on hold until the physician assessment or direction is obtained.
The referring physician will be called if there is any change in patient status.
A referring physician’s orders must be in place at the time of the infusion appointment to avoid a delay in patient care.
Conditional orders, such as plus or minus transfusions, are scheduled only on weekdays.

Medications

White bag medications (those sent from a specialty clinic pharmacy to Cook Children’s Pharmacy) will be administered by infusion nurses with order from provider.
Brown bag medication (those brought in from home by patient or caregiver to the Infusion Center) do not meet Cook Children’s Pharmacy regulatory requirements and will not be administered by infusion staff.