Infusion Center

With locations of the UCSF Infusion Center in San Francisco, San Mateo, Berkeley and Burlingame, patients all over the Bay Area can find a convenient place to receive infusion therapy. Our comfortable clinics offer a range of intravenous (IV) services, including chemotherapy, IV antibiotic administration, hydration therapy, red blood cell or platelet transfusions, nonchemotherapy injections and central line care.

Our nurses are experts in protocols to ensure safety and techniques to minimize the side effects of chemotherapy and other infusion treatments. More than 40% are certified in oncology, meaning they have completed specialized training and education in caring for people with cancer. In addition, board-certified oncology pharmacists review all medication orders and patient profiles, and work closely with doctors to customize infusion plans effectively.

When appropriate, we provide flexible infusion options to make life a little easier for our patients. We even have a program that teaches eligible patients and their caregivers to disconnect continuous chemotherapy pumps at home, eliminating the need for a second weekly visit to the center. For patients who have had an adverse reaction to treatment, we collaborate with experts at the UCSF Allergy and Immunology Clinic to create a desensitization plan, which can allow them to continue using the medication.

Appointments, visitors and amenities

Appointments are required. Avoid scheduling your treatment too soon after an activity that could run late and keep you from arriving on time. This will shorten waiting time and help you get through your time at the center faster.

We provide warm blankets that you may use during treatment, as certain medications make people sensitive to cold. At some locations, you'll also be offered a wireless tablet and light snacks. We encourage you to bring one visitor to sit with you. (Any additional visitors must wait outside.)

We guarantee equal access and reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. Learn more about UCSF's accessibility resources.

Urgent care for patients with cancer

UCSF patients experiencing non-life-threatening symptoms related to cancer or its treatments – such as nausea, fever or dehydration – can get help at the Cancer Acute Care Clinic (CACC). Learn about problems treated at CACC and how to get an appointment.

Clinical trials and new treatments

As an academic medical center committed to research, UCSF offers patients the latest, most sophisticated treatments available. Our specialized pharmacists, clinical research coordinators and infusion nurses have extensive training in delivering new infusion therapies.

Eligible patients may have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials as part of their treatment plan.

Support our Infusion Center

Gifts to the UCSF Infusion Center allow us to expand our services and continue to provide our patients with top-notch care. Please consider making a donation to support this important work.