A fluid extravasation detection device detects the subcutaneous extravasation of fluid from a vein containing an intravenous (IV) catheter. The device includes one or more first temperature sensors for positioning on skin near an entry point of the IV catheter into the vein, and one or more second temperature sensors for positioning on skin near a tip of the subcutaneously located IV catheter. The first and second temperature sensors are operably connected to an electronic thermometer that compares the temperature difference between a first temperature and a second temperature. The first temperature is determined based on temperature detected by at least one of the one or more first temperature sensors. The second temperature is determined based on temperature detected by at least one of the one or more second temperature sensors. An alarm is activated if the difference between the first and second temperatures changes more than a predetermined amount.