Safe IV Therapy in Toronto
- Dr. Yelena Deshko
- Jan 22
- 4 min read
Why CBC News Featured Us for Safe IV Therapy
As IV hydration and vitamin therapy continue to grow in popularity, so do questions around safety, regulation, and medical oversight. That’s why CBC News recently featured Lumèr – Timeless Health Clinic in a national investigation into unregulated “hydration spas” across Canada. CBC News turned to Lumèr for expert insight on what medical-grade, safe IV therapy in Toronto should actually look like — and why not all IV clinics operate to the same standard.
For us, this feature wasn’t just recognition. It was an opportunity to educate patients across Toronto and Ontario on how to choose IV therapy responsibly, and why medical oversight is essential.
Why CBC News Investigated IV Therapy in Ontario
IV hydration therapy has moved quickly from hospitals into wellness spaces — often marketed for energy, immunity, recovery, and beauty. But as CBC News highlighted, many IV hydration spas in
Ontario operate without consistent medical standards or regulation.
Some of the risks identified in the investigation include:
IVs administered without a doctor on site
Poor infection-control practices
Pre-mixed or improperly stored IV bags
No patient screening or medical history review
Lack of vital-sign monitoring during treatment
These gaps can lead to serious complications — including infections, electrolyte imbalances, and adverse reactions — especially for individuals with underlying health conditions.
That’s why CBC News sought out Lumèr: to show Canadians what safe IV therapy in Ontario should look like when it is delivered as a medical service, not a wellness trend.
Expert Insight from Dr. Yelena Deshko, ND
As part of the CBC News investigation, I was interviewed in my clinic to help demonstrate what safe, medical-grade IV therapy should look like in practice.
IV therapy itself is not inherently unsafe — but it must be delivered under strict medical standards. Unlike oral supplements, IV therapy bypasses the digestive system and delivers nutrients directly into the bloodstream. That level of access requires a higher standard of care.
Safe IV therapy includes:
Comprehensive medical screening
Sterile, in-house compounding
Clinical decision-making by trained professionals
Ongoing patient monitoring before, during, and after treatment
Without these safeguards, IV therapy can pose unnecessary risks. This is why medical oversight, proper infrastructure, and individualized care are not optional — they are essential.
What Sets Lumèr Apart: A Medical Standard for Safe IV Therapy in Toronto
CBC News highlighted Lumèr because our clinic was built from the ground up to meet — and exceed — medical safety expectations.
Here’s what differentiates Lumèr from typical hydration spas:
1. IV Bags Are Compounded In-House — Every Time
At Lumèr, every IV drip is compounded fresh, in-house. We do not use pre-made, frozen, or pre-mixed bags.
Each IV formula is:
Prepared specifically for the individual patient
Used within 12 hours to maintain ingredient integrity
Customized based on medical history and treatment goals
This approach minimizes contamination risk and ensures therapeutic accuracy.
2. Dedicated Sterile Compounding Area
Lumèr operates with a dedicated sterile compounding space, including a medical-grade airflow hood.
This is a critical safety feature that many non-medical hydration spas do not have. It ensures:
Controlled airflow
Reduced bacterial exposure
Pharmaceutical-level cleanliness
For IV therapy, sterility is not optional — it’s foundational.
3. A Doctor Is On-Site for Every IV Treatment
One of the most important distinctions highlighted by CBC News:A licensed doctor is on-site at Lumèr during every IV treatment.
This allows for:
Immediate medical intervention if needed
Real-time clinical decision-making
Proper oversight of dosing and patient response
This is a key marker of safe IV therapy in Toronto and a standard we believe all patients deserve.
4. Personalized IV Therapy Based on Medical History
At Lumèr, IV therapy is never “one size fits all.”
Before treatment, patients undergo:
A health intake
Review of medical history
Assessment of contraindications
IV formulas are then customized by experienced clinicians — not chosen from a menu of generic drips.
This personalized approach reduces risk and improves outcomes.
5. Continuous Monitoring Before, During, and After the Drip
Patient monitoring is another critical safety pillar.
At Lumèr, we monitor:
Blood pressure
Heart rate
Oxygen saturation
Monitoring occurs before, during, and after the IV infusion, ensuring patient safety throughout the entire process.
What CBC News Wants Ontarians to Know About IV Therapy Safety
The CBC News feature underscored an important message for patients across Ontario:
IV therapy should be treated as a medical procedure, not a beauty service or wellness add-on.
When choosing a provider, patients should ask:
Is a doctor on site?
How are IV bags prepared?
Are patients medically screened?
Are vitals monitored?
What safety protocols are in place?
If these questions can’t be clearly answered, that’s a red flag.
Why This Matters for Patients Seeking Safe IV Therapy in Toronto
The popularity of IV therapy means patients have more choices — but also more responsibility to choose wisely.
While IV therapy can be beneficial when done correctly, poorly regulated environments increase the risk of harm. CBC News’ investigation highlights why medical oversight matters and why clinics like Lumèr exist.
At Lumèr – Timeless Health Clinic, safety isn’t a marketing term. It’s a responsibility we take seriously — every patient, every drip, every time.
Read the Full CBC News Article
To learn more about CBC News’ investigation into IV therapy and hydration spas in Ontario, you can read the full article here:👉 https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/iv-drip-therapy-regulations-9.6955383
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