Intradermal Heparin Administration: A Comprehensive Guide

There are four types of injection route used by health care practioners: subcutaneous (under the skin but above the muscle), intramuscular (into the muscle tissue), intravenous (into the veins) and interdermal. Interdermal injections are done between the layers of the skin. Usually, these types of injections are used for diagnostic purposes such as the tuberculin test admininstered by schools and most health care facilities. Allergy tests are also done by intradermal injection.

Things You'll Need

• Tuberculin syringe
• Alcohol swab
• Latex gloves
• Gauze
• Adhesive bandage

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Instructions

Intradermal Administration of Heparin

• 1

  Wash your hands and put on a pair of gloves. Use an alcohol swab to clean the injection site on the inner forearm before administration. Allow the skin to dry. Make sure that the inner forearm is clean because that is the site of injection.

• 2

  Use a tuberculin syringe and insert the needle at 10- to 15-degree angle for optimum effectiveness. Insert the syringe about a 1/4 inch. Gently push the syringe to release the heparin after insertion until a small elevated circle appears. Withdraw the needle at the same angle it was inserted.

• 3

  Clean the wound and place a small piece of gauze on the injection site. Add an adhesive bandage. Massage the area gently for one minute.