Intra Dermal Injection

Intradermal injections are injections given to a patient in which the goal is to empty the contents of the syringe between the layers of the skin.

Purpose

Intradermal injection is often used for conducting skin allergy tests and testing for antibody formation.

Precautions

This is a painful procedure and is used only with small amounts of solution. The nurse should ensure that the needle is inserted into the epidermis, not subcutaneously, as absorption would be reduced. It is imperative that the following information is reviewed prior to administration of any medication: the right patient, the right medicine, the right route, the right dose, the right site, and the right time. Because this method of injection is often used in allergy testing, it is important that latex-free syringes are used.