Last updated by the vFlow team.
Is the provider registered with the CQC?
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates health and social care services in England. Whether a particular IV drip service needs to register depends on what it provides, but registration and inspection reports are a useful check. To look a provider up:
- Go to cqc.org.uk and use the search to find a service.
- Search by the provider name, or by town or postcode.
- Open the listing to see what the provider is registered to do, its locations and any inspection reports and ratings.
- If a provider says it is registered but you cannot find it, ask for its CQC provider or location ID and search again.
Is a prescriber involved?
Most injectable vitamins and minerals are prescription-only medicines in the UK. That means a prescriber, such as a doctor or a nurse or pharmacist prescriber, should be responsible for deciding whether the medicines are appropriate for you.
Ask who the prescriber is, whether they review your health information, and whether your treatment could be declined if it is not suitable. A good provider will answer these questions easily.
Are the practitioners registered professionals?
The person placing your cannula should be a qualified healthcare professional on a public register. You can check a name yourself:
- Nurses and midwives: the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register.
- Doctors: the General Medical Council (GMC) register.
- Pharmacists: the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) register.
- Ask for the practitioner's full name and registration number, and check it is current.
Will they check your health before treatment?
A careful provider will not start a drip without knowing about your health. Expect:
- A health questionnaire before your appointment, covering conditions, medicines, allergies and pregnancy.
- A review of your answers by a clinician before the day.
- Final checks and informed consent on the day, before anything is prepared.
- Observations such as pulse and blood pressure.
- A willingness to say no if the treatment is not right for you.
Is the equipment sterile and single-use?
Cannulas, giving sets, needles and syringes should be sterile, single-use and opened in front of you. The drip should be prepared hygienically, medicines should come from a proper supply chain, and sharps and clinical waste should be disposed of safely, including at mobile appointments.
Are they ready for an emergency?
Serious reactions are rare, but a provider should be prepared for them. Ask whether the practitioner is trained in basic life support and in recognising and managing anaphylaxis, and whether they carry emergency medicines and equipment. The practitioner should stay with you for the whole drip.
Are the prices and refund terms clear?
You should know what you will pay before you book, including any deposit, balance or travel fee, and what happens if you cancel or are found to be unsuitable. Read the booking terms before you pay.
What are the red flags?
Think twice about any provider that shows these warning signs:
- No health questions before treatment.
- No prescriber involved, or no clear answer about who prescribes.
- Glutathione drips marketed for skin whitening or lightening. In June 2025 Trading Standards issued a public warning about dangerous glutathione skin-whitening drips.
- Promises that a drip will cure, treat or prevent illness, or guaranteed results.
- Pressure to book quickly, or offers that seem far cheaper than everywhere else.
- Reluctance to tell you who will give the treatment or what is in the bag.
How does vFlow check suitability?
Every vFlow treatment starts with a health screening that you complete when you book. Our clinical team reviews your answers before your appointment, and on the day your practitioner completes a clinical suitability check and consent before anything is prepared.
We may decline treatment if our clinician decides it is not suitable for you. If that happens, your deposit is refunded in full. You are always welcome to ask us questions before you book.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if an IV drip clinic is CQC registered?
Go to cqc.org.uk and search for the provider by name, town or postcode. The listing shows what it is registered to do and any inspection reports.
Who should give an IV drip?
A qualified healthcare professional on a public register, such as a nurse (NMC), doctor (GMC) or pharmacist (GPhC), with a prescriber responsible for the medicines used.
Do I need a consultation before an IV drip?
Yes. A careful provider will ask you to complete a health screening, have a clinician review it, and carry out final checks and consent before treatment.
Are skin-whitening IV drips safe?
In June 2025 Trading Standards issued a public warning about dangerous glutathione skin-whitening drips. Avoid any provider that markets drips for skin whitening or lightening.
What happens if I am not suitable for treatment at vFlow?
Our clinician may decline treatment if it is not suitable for you. If that happens, your deposit is refunded in full.
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Ready to book?
Every vFlow treatment starts with a health screening and a suitability check. You pay a deposit to book, and it is refunded in full if a treatment is not suitable for you.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Clinical content review pending.