What it means
Pulling the skin and tissue under it about 2.5 to 3.5 cm (1 to 1.5 inches) to the side, then injecting, makes a zigzag path once the skin is released. This seals the drug in the muscle so it does not leak back into the tissue under the skin. It was first used for drugs that stain or irritate, such as IM iron, and many texts now advise it for all IM injections.
For the nurse
Keep the skin pulled to the side while injecting and for about 10 seconds after, then remove the needle and let the skin go. Do not massage the site afterward.
At a glance
| Also written | Z-track, Z-track injection |
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Related terms
intramuscular
Into a muscle; used for a drug given by injection into muscle tissue.
intradermal injection
An injection of a tiny amount of fluid into the dermis, the layer just under the top layer of skin.