The intradermal injection refers to a shot given into the skin layer. The correct pronunciation of this word is [ˌɪn.trəˈdɜː.məl ɪnˈdʒɛk.ʃən]. The first two syllables of the word, "intra", indicates "inside" and the last part, "dermal" refers to "skin". Together they form intradermal, meaning inside the skin. The phoneme /əl/ in "intradermal" tends to be pronounced like the „u‟ in "surround". This medical term is commonly used in hospitals and clinics for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
An intradermal injection is a medical procedure wherein a medication or solution is administered into the layers of the skin. It involves inserting a needle at a shallow angle into the dermis, the layer of skin beneath the epidermis, to introduce the substance into the body. The injection site is usually the inner surface of the forearm or the upper back, which are areas with fewer blood vessels and a thinner layer of skin.
The purpose of an intradermal injection is typically diagnostic or therapeutic. It is commonly used for allergy testing, tuberculin skin tests, and small-dose vaccinations such as for tuberculosis or hepatitis. The dermis is highly vascularized, meaning it contains numerous blood vessels, which facilitates the absorption of the injected substance into the bloodstream.
The technique for performing an intradermal injection requires precision and skill, as the needle should only penetrate the superficial layers of the skin. Unlike intramuscular or subcutaneous injections, only a small volume of solution, usually less than 0.1 ml, is injected intradermally. To ensure accuracy, a tuberculin syringe with a short, thin needle is commonly used. After administration, a small wheal (a raised area) or a colored mark called a bleb may appear on the skin, indicating successful delivery of the medication or substance.
While intradermal injections have advantages such as quick absorption and a minimal risk of damaging underlying structures, they also carry potential risks and side effects. These can include pain, itching, inflammation, and in rare cases, infection or tissue damage. Therefore, it is crucial to follow proper disinfection and injection techniques to minimize complications.
The word intradermal is derived from two Latin roots: intra, meaning within or into, and derma, meaning skin. Injection comes from the Latin word injectio, which means a throwing in or injecting.