From the Guidelines
It is possible for injected medicine to slip out even when using a 1-inch needle, and to minimize this risk, a 4-mm pen needle inserted at 90 degrees is recommended for most individuals, as it can successfully deliver the medication into the subcutaneous tissue 1. When considering the use of a 1-inch needle, it's essential to take into account the individual's body composition, as the thickness of subcutaneous tissue varies by anatomic site and injection posture, as well as BMI 1. Some key factors to consider when administering injections include:
- Using the correct needle length to avoid intramuscular injection, which can be painful and affect the absorption of the medication
- Inserting the needle at the correct angle, typically 90 degrees, to ensure the medication is delivered into the subcutaneous tissue
- Maintaining pressure at the injection site for several seconds after removing the needle to prevent backflow or leakage
- Ensuring proper injection technique, including the use of a lifted skinfold if necessary, to minimize the risk of medication leakage
- Rotating injection sites correctly to prevent lipodystrophy, a condition characterized by abnormal distribution of body fat 1. The viscosity of the medication, injection speed, and volume can also influence leakage risk, and healthcare providers should be aware of these factors when administering injections 1. In terms of specific recommendations, the use of a 4-mm pen needle is advised for all adults, regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, or BMI, and for children and young adults, a lifted skinfold may be necessary to prevent intramuscular injection 1. Overall, proper injection technique and the use of the correct needle length and angle are crucial to ensure the full dose of medication is delivered effectively and to minimize the risk of complications such as medication leakage.
From the Research
Subcutaneous Injection Technique
- The technique used for subcutaneous injections can affect the absorption of the medicine and the risk of complications 2, 3.
- Factors such as needle length, injection site, and volume injected can influence the sensation of pain and the effectiveness of the injection 4.
Needle Length and Injection Technique
- The use of a 1-inch needle for subcutaneous injections may not be suitable for all patients, as the amount of subcutaneous fat can vary greatly between individuals 2.
- A longer needle may be required for patients with more subcutaneous fat to ensure that the medicine is injected into the correct tissue 2.
- However, there is no direct evidence to suggest that a 1-inch needle would cause the medicine to "slip out" if used correctly 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Complications and Challenges
- Subcutaneous injections can be associated with complications such as skin and soft tissue damage, infections, and vascular disease 5.
- The use of improper injection technique, contaminated equipment, and poor drug purity can increase the risk of these complications 5.
- However, these complications are not directly related to the use of a 1-inch needle, but rather to the overall injection technique and patient factors 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.