Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)PharmacologyMedium
A medical assistant is preparing to administer an intradermal injection for a tuberculin skin test. Which of the following angles of insertion is appropriate?
- A15 degrees
- B25 degrees
- C90 degrees
- D45 degrees
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 15 degrees
Intradermal injections, such as for tuberculin skin tests, are administered at a 10-15 degree angle to ensure the medication enters the dermal layer just beneath the epidermis, creating a wheal.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 25 degrees is not a standard angle for any common injection route; it is too steep for intradermal and too shallow for subcutaneous.
- C. 90 degrees is the appropriate angle for intramuscular injections.
- D. 45 degrees is the appropriate angle for subcutaneous injections.
Intradermal Injection Angle
Intradermal injections are administered at a 10-15 degree angle to place medication into the dermis.
- Used for allergy tests and TB skin tests.
- Creates a small wheal or blister.
- Shallowest injection depth.
Memory trick: ID is 'Low' at 15°, SubQ 'Mid' at 45°, IM 'High' at 90°.