Located on the 4th floor of UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh in Lawrenceville, the Infusion Center is an outpatient ambulatory care site providing infusion therapy for children and young adults. Upon the referral and orders of your child's doctor, IV therapy is administered to treat a variety of conditions. Some examples are:
- Anemia
- Crohn's Disease
- Dermatomyositis
- Genetic Conditions
- Immune System Disorders
- Lupus
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Organ Rejection
- Osteoporosis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Seizures
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Uveitis
- Von Willebrand's Disease
In addition to providing regular infusion care, the center also can provide a monitored first infusion before your child begins his or her home care infusions.
Patients requiring chemotherapy for cancer receive their infusions through the Division of Hematology/Oncology. As a result, chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer is not provided in this infusion setting.
Visiting the Infusion Center
The Infusion Center is easily accessed by taking the grape (purple) elevators from the parking garage to the 4th floor and entering the Same Day Surgery registration area. During the registration process, photo ID will be requested and insurance information will be verified. Any co-pay should be paid at this time. It is suggested you arrive 15-20 minutes prior to your infusion appointment for the registration process. Once registered, the Infusion Center will be notified and one of our Infusion Nurses will come and bring you to the Infusion area.
The Infusion Center consists of two neighboring large rooms, each containing seven patient areas with privacy curtains. There is a coffee station for parents between the two areas. Small snacks and drinks are available for your child. your child will be monitored as they receive their infusions while sitting in a recliner chair. Cribs and beds may be obtained for children who need or prefer them. Each chair space has its own TV which can access cable shows and a selection of movies. There are X-Box machines at char side as well. Patients are welcome to bring in their own electronic devices (laptops, I-Pads, cell phones, tablets, etc.). Many of our patients like to bring their own headphones to connect to the TVs.
We encourage your child to dress comfortably. Consider wearing shirts or tops that allow easy access to arms so that IVs and blood pressure cuffs can be placed. People often become chilly when sitting. You might want to bring a sweater, a cozy blanket, or wear warm clothes (sweats) in the cooler weather.
Parents and family are welcome, but space is limited in the Infusion Area. It is suggested a maximum of two people accompany the child for the infusion whenever possible.
For the safety of all infusion patients, any family member who is ill must not come to the Infusion Center.
Our Physicians and Staff
The Infusion Center is staffed by registered nurses who are skilled in IV therapy. They deliver individualized care in a warm, friendly environment. Child Life specialists are available to assist your child during IV placement by providing distraction, using medical play, and teaching coping skills, In addition, numbing cream, spray, and "buzzy bee" devices are available to decrease discomfort with IV placement.
Hours and Contact Information
The Infusion Center sees patients by appointment and with a doctor's referral. We are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. We are happy to help you with any questions. Please call us at 412-692-8927.
