(3) Insert the needle only to three-fourths of the length of the needle using a
firm, quick, forward thrust to minimize discomfort.
(4)
Release the skin. Release the pinched skin while stabilizing the syringe
barrel.
g. Aspirate the Syringe. Refer to paragraph 2-3n above.
h. Inject the Medicine. Press the plunger into the barrel with the thumb slowly
and steadily until all medication is expelled. Medication should be injected slowly.
Rapid injection will put pressure on the tissue and cause pain.
i. Remove the Needle. Place an antiseptic pad slightly above the injection site.
Withdraw needle quickly at same 45-degree angle as inserted and bring pad down on
injection site.
j. Massage the Site. Gently massage the injection site with an antiseptic pad
after you remove the needle unless medication guidance indicates otherwise.
(1) Gentle pressure applied to the injection site will help seal punctured
tissue and disperse the medication so that it is absorbed readily.
(2) You may use the same antiseptic pad that was used to prepare the site
before the injection.
k. Cover Injection Site. Place an adhesive bandage over the injection site to
protect clothes if bleeding occurs and to prevent infection.
l.
Perform Postinjection Patient Care. Refer to paragraph 2-3u.
Section III. ADMINISTER AN INTRADERMAL INJECTION
2-6.
GENERAL
a. An intradermal (ID) injection is the injection of a small amount of fluid into the
dermal layer of the skin (see figure 2-10). It is frequently done as a diagnostic measure,
such as for tuberculin testing (screening test for tuberculosis referred to as a tine test)
and allergy testing (placing very small amounts of the suspected antigen or allergen in a
solution under the skin). The intradermal injection is made in skin areas of the body that
are soft and yielding.
b. Often the tuberculin syringe is the only syringe with fine enough calibrations
to measure the minute dose that is used. A 26-gauge needle, which is one-fourth to
one-half inch in length, is usually selected. The fluid is in a small welt or "wheal" (a
small swelling of the skin due to the medication placed under the skin) just under the
surface of the skin and between its layers.
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