Texas Children’s Infusion Center is dedicated to providing intravenous (IV) therapy to maintain your child’s health status, all in an outpatient setting. Since the center focuses solely on the needs of patients requiring IV therapy, patients do not need to be admitted to the hospital, permitting faster service.

Common treatments provided include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Blood products
• Stimulation testing
• Bisphosphonates
• Immune globulin infusions
• IV steroids/ hormones
• Injections with patient teaching
• Antibiotics, including first doses
• Enzyme Replacement Therapy
• Antineoplastics (for non-cancer diagnosis’)
• Biologic therapy (monoclonal antibodies, biological response modifiers)
• Parental nutrition/ solutions

Convenient features
Located on the fourth floor of West Tower in the hospital, the center’s open bay environment allows nurses to closely monitor each patient. Other features include:

• scheduled IV treatments that include preparation and post therapy observation time;
• experienced nurse clinicians who specialize in IV treatments;
• relaxing infusion chairs equipped with TV, DVD and VCR capability—patients can bring headphones, if desired; and
• waiting area for families.

Since infusion therapy is performed on an outpatient basis, patients who are scheduled to take medications during infusion hours should bring their regularly scheduled medications with them.

Food and entertainment options
The family nourishment area is equipped with a microwave and refrigerator–feel free to pack meals or snacks for your visit. Coffee and ice are provided.

Food may be purchased at Bertner Café, McDonald’s and the Texas Children's Hospital food court that includes Chick-Fil-A, Villa Pizza and Subway.

Patients may bring their own DVDs, Nintendo® or Xbox games, books or any items that bring comfort. The Infusion Center has a limited number of movies, games and reading material available for patient/ family use.

Parking
Parking is available for up to $12 in Garage 12 (under West Tower and an easy trip up the elevator to the fourth floor) and in Garage 16 at the Clinical Care Center (walk across the bridge on the third floor and take elevators up to the fourth floor). Texas Children’s valet service is another option at a cost of $13.

Hours and appointments
Infusion hours are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Infusion Center is closed on weekends and all major holidays.

The Infusion Center is designed to accommodate existing Texas Children's Hospital patients who require infusion therapy. All patients must be under the care of a Texas Children's Hospital physician, who assumes responsibility for the patient while in the Infusion Center.

Texas Children's Hospital physicians can refer a patient by calling Central Scheduling or the Infusion Center. Should multiple treatments be required, appointments for the entire treatment plan can be made, all with one phone call. Orders are required for therapy provided in the Infusion Center. Patients or parents may schedule appointments under the direction of their Texas Children's Hospital physician by calling Central Scheduling at 832-822-2778.