Abstract

 

Introduction: The thickness of subcutaneous tissue and muscle layer is the most important parameter in vaccine

injection. The tissue thickness determines the appropriate injection technique and needle size.

Material and Method: We measured subcutaneous tissue and muscle layer thickness in deltoid and thigh region in

38 healthy (1-8 days) infants with ultrasonography and intended to determine the injection technique and needle

length via these ultrasonographic measurements.

Discussion: Significant relationship between the body weight and subcutaneous layer thickness in deltoid region

was found (r: 0.48, p: 0.004). We concluded that the use of the stretching technique (minimizing the

subcutaneous tissue) in combination with 8-10 mm needles is optimal for intramuscular injection in deltoid and

thigh regions in infants.

Key Words: Ultrasonography-Infant-Intramuscular Injection