As a healthcare professional with expertise in medical terminology and procedures, I can explain the term "subcutaneous injection."
A
subcutaneous injection is a method of administering medication or other substances just beneath the skin. This type of injection is performed in the layer of tissue that lies between the skin (dermis) and the underlying muscle (fascia). The subcutaneous tissue is composed of fat and connective tissue, which allows for the slow and gradual absorption of the substance into the bloodstream.
Subcutaneous injections are commonly used for various purposes, including:
1. Delivering medication that requires slow absorption, such as insulin for diabetes management.
2. Vaccine administration, where the vaccine is introduced to stimulate an immune response.
3. Hormone replacement therapy, where hormones like estrogen are administered.
4. Allergy shots, which are a form of immunotherapy.
The process involves using a small, thin needle to inject the substance into the subcutaneous layer. This method is preferred when a slower rate of absorption is desired, and it is also less painful compared to intramuscular injections.
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