Final answer:
The term for intravenously introducing a substance other than blood is called intravenous infusion, often used for administering medication directly into the bloodstream for immediate effect or replenishing fluids in emergencies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medical term for introducing a substance other than blood intravenously is intravenous infusion or IV infusion. This procedure is commonly used to administer medications, saline, or other fluids, especially when a drug is not well absorbed in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. IV infusion can lead to higher plasma levels of a drug, compared to oral or intramuscular routes, providing an efficient method for treating infections or other conditions. For instance, chemotherapy drugs are often delivered directly into the bloodstream to ensure that they reach the cancer cells more directly and rapidly than they would through other routes of administration. Furthermore, in emergency situations such as accidents or disasters, intravenous administration of saline solution can replace lost blood volume in victims, supplying essential fluids and electrolytes. Ongoing research aims to develop artificial blood substitutes that could transport oxygen without red blood cells, allowing for safer and more compatible transfusions during field emergencies.