Health Library

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Umbilical catheter

An umbilical catheter is a flexible tube that is inserted into a blood vessel in a newborn's umbilical cord. This tube provides a painless way of drawing arterial blood for testing and for giving medication, nutrition, and fluids through a vein.