What type of injection involves a shallow injection into the dermis?

• A. Intravenous
• B. Intramuscular
• C. Intradermal
• D. Subcutaneous

Answer: (C)

The type of injection that involves a shallow injection into the dermis is intradermal. In this technique, a small volume of medication is injected just beneath the outer layer of the skin, allowing for absorption through the dermal layer. This method is commonly used for allergy tests, tuberculosis screening, and some vaccinations, as it creates a localized reaction that can be easily observed.

Intradermal injections require a specific angle of insertion, usually around 10 to 15 degrees, and are performed with a fine-gauge needle to minimize discomfort. The intradermal route is particularly advantageous for diagnostic purposes, where a small amount of antigen or irritant is needed to elicit a response without deep tissue penetration.

In contrast, intravenous injections deliver medication directly into the bloodstream, intramuscular injections access deeper muscle tissue, and subcutaneous injections administer medication into the fatty tissue just beneath the skin, making these routes unsuitable for the specific context of a shallow injection into the dermis.