What it means
Used for skin tests, such as the tuberculin skin test and allergy tests, where a small, slow-spreading amount lets the reaction be seen. The needle goes in almost flat (about 5 to 15 degrees), bevel up, and usually no more than 0.1 mL is given, making a small raised bump (a bleb or wheal). The inner forearm is a common site.
For the nurse
Do not massage the site, and do not cover it with a bandage. Mark the site if policy says to, and teach the client when to return to have it read (48 to 72 hours for a tuberculin skin test).
At a glance
| Also written | intradermal injections |
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Related terms
subcutaneous
Under the skin; in the fatty layer between the skin and the muscle.
intramuscular
Into a muscle; used for a drug given by injection into muscle tissue.
Z-track method
A way of giving an IM injection in which the skin is pulled to one side before the needle goes in and let go after it comes out.
tuberculin skin test
A screening test in which a small amount of tuberculin protein is injected just under the skin of the forearm and the spot is checked days later.