This information explains what to expect during your treatment at any of MSK’s infusion units.
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MSK’s infusion units treat people who are getting chemotherapy (chemo) or biotherapy cancer treatments. They also treat people who need some types of supportive care, such as intravenous (IV) hydration or blood products.
MSK has infusion units in Manhattan, Westchester, New Jersey, and on Long Island.
MSK also has an infusion unit in Brooklyn. Not all treatments are offered in Brooklyn. The process to get ready is not the same as we describe below.
If you have an appointment that’s only for hydration, your experience may be different than what we describe below. You may have your hydration appointment outside of the infusion unit.
Here are few things you can do to get ready for your visit.
It’s a good idea to dress in layers. Some people feel cold or hot during their treatment. We can give you warm blankets during your treatment.
It’s best to have a responsible care partner take you home after your treatment. A responsible care partner is someone who can help you get home safely. Make sure to plan this before the day of your treatment.
Some medicines can make you sleepy. Talk with your care team or treating nurse about what to expect.
Visitors must be 12 years old. For pediatric patients, visitors can be as young as 8 years old. Please visit www.msk.org/visit for the latest policy. Any person that comes to your visit with you is also a visitor.
If you have any problems with childcare, tell your care team before your scheduled treatment visit. They can refer you to a social worker who may be able to help.
A staff member will greet you when you check in. They’ll ask you to say and spell your name and state your date of birth to confirm your identity. They’ll give you a patient identification (I.D.) wristband. Your name, date of birth, and medical record number will be printed on the wristband.
It’s important to always keep your I.D. wristband on during your visits. Many staff members will ask you for your name and date of birth and check your patient I.D. wristband. This helps keep you safe. People with the same or a similar name may be having treatment on the same day.
The staff member at the check-in area will tell you if you have a lab visit before your treatment. You’ll have one if you need blood tests before your treatment.
If you have a central line, a nurse will use it to collect your blood samples. Examples of central lines are a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), an implanted port (mediport), or a tunneled chest catheter. Central lines are also called CVCs.
If you do not have a central line, the lab staff will use a needle to collect your blood samples. They’ll try to collect them from a vein in your hand. It’s important to use the veins in your arm for treatment later.
After your lab visit, you’ll either have a clinic visit or check-in at the desk where you get treatment.
You may have a clinic visit to see your care team. During this visit, your care team will ask how you’re feeling and get you ready for your treatment. They may check your vital signs. Your vital signs are your temperature, blood pressure, breathing rate, oxygen saturation, and pulse.
Some treatment medicines are prepared (made) based on your height and weight. Your care team must be very accurate when they measure your height and weight. They’ll ask you to take off your shoes, hat, outerwear, wig, and hair accessories. This is the safest way to measure your height and weight. It will make sure your treatment is at a safe dose.
After your clinic visit, check in at the desk where you get treatment.
Before the nurse can start your treatment, you must be cleared for treatment. This means your care team must confirm your body is healthy enough to get the treatment. If you had blood tests, they’ll make sure your results show it’s safe for you to get the treatment.
It often takes about 1 hour to get the results of your blood tests. Sometimes it can take longer. Depending on the results of your blood tests, your treatment will move forward, could be cancelled or rescheduled. Your care team will let you know if this happens.
While your blood is being tested, our pharmacist and nurses with special training will verify (check) your treatment medicines. The treatment verification confirms all parts of your treatment are correct and safe for you to get. Then, the pharmacy staff will get your treatment medicines ready for you. Some medicines take longer than others to prepare.
Wait times will not be the same for everyone. Some treatments are prepared ahead of time. Many cannot be prepared until we have your blood test results and your doctor cleared you for treatment. This is all for your safety.
Talk with your care team about getting your blood tests the day before your clinic visit. Having the blood work resulted the day before can help your treatment be ready sooner. This may reduce the time you wait.
Once your treatment is ready and a nurse is available to treat you, we’ll bring you into the infusion unit.
You will get your treatment based on your appointment time. Even if you get to your visit early, we cannot give you your treatment early.
Nurses with special training will take care of you during your treatment. You may not have the same nurse for each visit. All nurses in the infusion unit are familiar with your treatment and care needs.
Before your treatment starts, your nurse will review your medical record and treatment plan. They will ask about your symptoms and talk with you about the plan. This is a good time to ask questions you may have about your treatment.
Your nurse will also ask about any medicines you took earlier in the day.
Your nurse will wear a gown and gloves when handling and giving you your treatment medicine. They may also wear eye protection. This is for their safety. You and your visitors do not have to wear personal protective equipment.
Many treatments are intravenous (put into a vein). These are called IV treatments.
You may have a central line (PICC, implanted port, or tunneled chest catheter). If so, your nurse will use it to give you your treatment. They’ll access it if it’s not already accessed.
If you do not have a central line, your nurse will place an IV into your vein. They’ll choose the best place on your arm for your treatment. It can take time to find a safe vein to use.
The infusion unit nurses are experienced in placing IV lines. But sometimes it can be hard to find a safe vein, for many reasons. For example, your treatments can affect your veins and make it harder to place an IV line.
If this happens, a treating nurse may talk with your care team about getting a central line.
Some treatments can last from a few hours to all day. You may get premedication (premeds) as part of your treatment. If so, your treatment may take a little longer than others. Your care team and treating nurse will talk with you about the length of your treatment.
Some treatments take longer the first time you get them. Your treating nurse may need to closely monitor (watch) you for an adverse (bad) reaction. We do not know who will have a reaction.
If you have a reaction, your nurse will stop your treatment and talk with your doctor. Most of the time you can still get the treatment. But you may have to stay longer than planned on that visit. Your future treatment visits will also be longer so we can keep you safe.
Some medicines can make you sleepy or not feel well soon after you get them. It’s best to have a responsible care partner drive you home after your treatment. We recommend you talk with your provider or treating nurse about what to expect.
For safety, we may need to monitor you after your treatment ends. Your treating nurse will let you know when it is OK to leave the infusion unit.
Sometimes you may need a wheelchair when you leave. You may feel very tired at the end of your treatment. This can be because of medicines that can make you sleepy. It can also be from a long day of appointments. It’s important to save your energy for the trip home.
Some of our sites have outpatient pharmacies. Ask your office practice nurse if you should pick up your home medicines here or at your local pharmacy. Your care team can coordinate filling and renewing your home prescriptions.
If you get IV treatment, a nurse will call you 1 to 3 days after your first treatment to see how you’re feeling.
If you have any symptoms or questions, call your care team. Do not wait for the nurse to call you. Do not wait until your next treatment appointment. We want to make sure you are cared for when you are home.
Call your healthcare provider if you:
If you’re worried about symptoms during your cancer treatment, call your MSK care team. They will tell you if you need to get care right away. Read Care Closer to Home: Chemotherapy: What to Do If You Are Worried About Symptoms to learn more.
If you live outside of New York City, your healthcare provider may tell you to go to your local hospital.
Call 911 if you have severe (very bad) symptoms, such as trouble breathing or chest pain.
You can also visit msk.org/pe to search for educational resources, videos, and online programs.
Primary doctor: ___________________________
Primary office practice nurse: ___________________________
number: ____________________________
Monday through Friday from to
Saturday and Sunday from to
15th floor (K15)
530 East 74th Street
New York, NY
The infusion unit is an open concept unit. Check in at the Welcome Desk off the elevators and have a seat in any of the waiting lounges.
Each private room has a TV, reclining chair and a place for guests over the age of 12 to sit.
The unit has a station with water, coffee, and tea. There is a small refrigerator for daily patient use.
There is a gift shop and a retail pharmacy on the first floor of the building. Pharmacy hours are Monday through Friday from to
There is a cafeteria on the 6th floor, open Monday through Friday from to You can bring food with you to your appointment. We cannot reheat any meals.
There is an app to order meals from the cafeteria called Nutrislice. You will need to use a credit card.
Monday through Friday from to
Address
4th floor
160 East 53rd Street (at the corner of 3rd Avenue)
New York, NY
Some of your appointments may start in the lab. Others may only be in the infusion unit. Your treatment will be on the 4th floor.
You will be in a private room with a TV and a reclining chair. Some rooms have beds for people who have all-day treatments.
You can bring food with you to your treatment. We cannot reheat any meals.
Monday through Friday from to
Address
2nd floor
300 East 66th Street (at the corner of 2nd Avenue)
New York, NY
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Your lab and treatment appointment will only be in the infusion unit.
Each private room has a TV, reclining chair, and extra chairs for your guests.
You can bring food with you to your treatment. We cannot reheat any meals.
Monday through Friday from to
Address
1st floor
353 East 68th Street (between 68th and 69th streets)
New York, NY
Your treatment will be in semiprivate rooms (pods). Each pod has a TV and a chair for your visitor. There are a few private rooms with beds reserved for patients with specific treatments.
The unit has a station with water, coffee, and tea. You can bring food with you to your treatment. We cannot reheat any meals.
Monday through Friday from to
Address
136 Mountainview Boulevard
Basking Ridge, NJ
Some of your appointments may start in the lab. Others may only be in the infusion unit. There are semiprivate rooms (pods) for our infusion treatments.
Each pod has a TV and a chair for a visitor.
There is a retail pharmacy at this location.
We have a kiosk with food to buy anytime during your visit and light refreshments in the unit. The kiosk is cashless so you will need to use a credit card or mobile payment. You can bring food with you to your appointment. We cannot reheat any meals.
Monday through Friday from to
Address
225 Summit Avenue
Montvale, NJ
Your treatment will be in a private room in the infusion unit. Each room has a TV, reclining chair, and a small couch for guests.
There is a retail pharmacy at this location.
There is a small cafe with a selection of breakfast items, sandwiches, and snacks. The kiosk is cashless so you will need to use a credit card or mobile payment. You can bring food with you to your appointment. We cannot reheat any meals.
Monday through Friday from to 8 p.m.
Saturday to
Address
650 Commack Road
Commack, NY
Some of your appointments may start in the lab. Others may start in the infusion unit. Your treatment will be in a private room in the infusion unit. Each room has a TV, reclining chair, and chairs for your guests.
There is a retail pharmacy at this location.
There is a small cafe with drinks and food items. The cafe is cashless so you will need to use a credit card or mobile payment. You can bring food with you to your appointment. We cannot reheat any meals.
Monday through Saturday from to
Address
480 Red Hill Road
Middletown Township, NJ
Your treatment will be in a private room in the infusion unit. Each room has a TV, reclining chair, and a small couch for guests.
There is a retail pharmacy at this location.
There is a small cafe with a selection of breakfast items, sandwiches, and snacks. The cafe is cashless so you will need to use a credit card or mobile payment. You can bring food with you to your appointment. We cannot reheat any meals.
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from to 8 p.m.
Wednesdays and Thursdays from to
Address
Hempstead Turnpike
Uniondale, NY
Some of your appointments may start in the lab. Others may only be in the infusion unit. Your treatment will be in a private room in the infusion unit. Each room has a TV, reclining chair, and a small couch for guests.
There is a kiosk with food that you can buy any time during your visit. The kiosk is cashless so you will need to use a credit card or mobile payment. There are light refreshments in the unit. You can bring food with you to your appointment. We cannot reheat any meals.
Monday through Saturday from to
Address
500 Westchester Avenue
West Harrison, NY
Some of your appointments may start in the lab. Others may start in the infusion unit. Your treatment will be in a private room in the infusion unit. Each room has a TV, reclining chair, a TV, and chairs for your guests.
There is a retail pharmacy at this location.
There is a small café with drinks and food items. You can bring food with you to your appointment. We cannot reheat any meals.
Infusion therapy patients often experience a variety of side effects from their treatment, including fatigue, pain, and nausea.
These side effects can make it difficult to sit comfortably for long periods of time. Healthcare seating can provide infusion therapy patients with the support and comfort they need to get through their treatment.
When choosing healthcare seating for infusion therapy patients, there are a few key features to look for:
When you are receiving infusion therapy, it is important to be comfortable. This is especially true if you will be receiving treatment for an extended period of time.
Infusion therapy patients may experience changes in their physical condition over time. It is important to choose a chair that is adjustable so that the patient can find a comfortable position.
An adjustable infusion therapy chair can help you to find a comfortable position and reduce discomfort. The chair should be adjustable in height, seat depth, and backrest angle.
A widely widely adjustable infusion therapy chair will allow a patient to find a position that relieves pain and fatigue, and that promotes good posture.
First and foremost, the ability to adjust the height of the chair is crucial. Infusion therapy often involves prolonged periods of sitting, sometimes for several hours.
Patients come in various shapes and sizes, and having the ability to adjust the chair’s height ensures that the patient’s feet can be placed firmly on the ground, promoting proper posture and reducing the risk of discomfort or fatigue.
Moreover, a height adjustable infusion therapy chair enables healthcare professionals to easily access the patient during the treatment and ensures a safe and efficient administration of medication.
Another essential adjustable feature is the reclining function. Infusion therapy can be a lengthy process, and patients may need to change positions or rest during the treatment.
A chair that offers multiple reclining positions allows patients to find the most comfortable angle for their body, providing relief from potential muscle strain and pressure points. The ability to adjust the backrest and leg rest independently enables patients to find their preferred level of support and relaxation.
This flexibility not only enhances comfort but also promotes better blood circulation, reducing the risk of developing blood clots or swelling.
Additionally, an infusion therapy chair with adjustable armrests is highly beneficial. Patients often require the placement of intravenous lines, which necessitates accessibility to their arms. Adjustable armrests ensure that the patient’s arms are properly positioned, allowing medical professionals to administer treatment without any hindrance.
Furthermore, adjustable armrests enable patients to find a comfortable position for their arms, minimizing the potential discomfort associated with prolonged infusion therapy.
The chair should be comfortable to sit in for long periods of time. Look for a chair with a cushioned seat and backrest.
The seat should be wide enough to accommodate the patient’s hips and thighs, and the backrest should be high enough to support the patient’s head and neck.
Infusion therapy chairs are used by patients who receive long-term intravenous (IV) therapy. These treatment chairs are often shared by multiple patients, which means they are at risk for contamination with germs. To prevent the spread of infection, it is important to clean and disinfect infusion therapy chairs regularly.
To allow for this, infusion therapy chairs should be designed with easy-to-clean materials and smooth, non-porous surfaces that can be efficiently wiped down and disinfected, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
The chair’s design should minimize crevices and seams to prevent dirt and microbes from accumulating. Regular and thorough cleaning routines, following recommended disinfection protocols, are essential to prevent the spread of infections.
Once the chair is clean, it should be disinfected with a disinfectant that is effective against a wide range of germs. The disinfectant should be applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Other Features:
There are a number of other features that may be helpful for infusion therapy patients, such as:
When choosing healthcare seating for infusion therapy patients, it is important to consider the patient’s individual needs and preferences. By choosing a chair that is comfortable, adjustable, and durable, you can help the patient to get through their treatment in comfort.
In conclusion, the range of features available in an infusion therapy chair is paramount in providing optimal care and comfort to patients undergoing long infusion treatments.
The ability to adjust the height, reclining positions, armrests, and lumbar support ensures that patients can find their ideal seating position, minimizing discomfort, promoting proper posture, and enhancing blood circulation.
When selecting a healthcare seating solution for infusion therapy, it is crucial to prioritise the availability of these adjustable features to ensure the well-being and satisfaction of patients.
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