What is the process of administering medication directly into the skin called?

Administering medication directly into the skin is referred to as an intradermal injection. This method involves injecting a small amount of medication into the dermis, which is the layer of skin just beneath the outermost layer (epidermis). Intradermal injections are commonly used for allergy tests, tuberculosis screening, and vaccinations, allowing for the medication to be absorbed slowly and effectively by the body.

Intradermal injections are distinct from subcutaneous injections, which deliver medication into the layer of fat beneath the skin, and intramuscular injections, where the medication is injected directly into a muscle. Intravenous injections involve delivering medication directly into the bloodstream via a vein. Each of these methods serves different purposes and requires different techniques, making it essential to use intradermal injections specifically when the goal is to target the dermal layer of the skin.